• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.238-245
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• 2022

Previous reports have demonstrated that genetic mechanisms greatly mediate responses to drugs of abuse, including methamphetamine (METH). The circadian gene Period 2 (Per2) has been previously associated with differential responses towards METH in mice. While the behavioral consequences of eliminating Per2 have been illustrated previously, Per2 overexpression has not yet been comprehensively described; although, Per2-overexpressing (Per2 OE) mice previously showed reduced sensitivity towards METH-induced addiction-like behaviors. To further elucidate this distinct behavior of Per2 OE mice to METH, we identified possible candidate biomarkers by determining striatal differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in both drug-naïve and METH-treated Per2 OE mice relative to wild-type (WT), through RNA sequencing. Of the several DEGs in drug naïve Per2 OE mice, we identified six genes that were altered after repeated METH treatment in WT mice, but not in Per2 OE mice. These results, validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, could suggest that the identified DEGs might underlie the previously reported weaker METH-induced responses of Per2 OE mice compared to WT. Gene network analysis also revealed that Asic3, Hba-a1, and Rnf17 are possibly associated with Per2 through physical interactions and predicted correlations, and might potentially participate in addiction. Inhibiting the functional protein of Asic3 prior to METH administration resulted in the partial reduction of METH-induced conditioned place preference in WT mice, supporting a possible involvement of Asic3 in METH-induced reward. Although encouraging further investigations, our findings suggest that these DEGs, including Asic3, may play significant roles in the lower sensitivity of Per2 OE mice to METH.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.118-128
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• 2023

Background: The use of heated tobacco products (HTP) causes many adverse health effects. Although the use of HTP by adolescents is prevalent worldwide, research related to it is very limited. There is a considerable lack of research related to the current HTP use rather than ever-HTP use. In particular, research related to predictive factors for current HTP use in adolescents is scarce. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze related characteristics according to the current use of HTP among South Korean adolescents. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that used data from the Seventeenth Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS). A total of 54,848 students in 2021 were included in this study. Chi-square-test, multiple logistic regression analysis, and chi-square test for trend were used for analyzing related characteristics according to use of HTP. Results: Overall, 715 (1.3%) students responded as having used HTP during the last 30 days among the 54,848 students. It was found that residence type, subjective body type recognition, subjective health recognition, alcohol use, habitual drug experience, close friend current smoking, and conventional cigarette smoking were significantly associated characteristics with the current use of heated tobacco products. Comparing 'very thin recognition' with 'very fat recognition', the adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 1.93 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29~2.87) for current use of HTP. Additionally, comparing 'very unhealthy recognition' with 'very healthy recognition', the aOR was 3.82 (95% CI: 2.40~6.07) for current use of HTP. Conclusions: Based on these results, residence type, subjective body type recognition, subjective health recognition, alcohol use, habitual drug experience, close friend current smoking, and conventional cigarette smoking were associated with significantly increased odds of current HTP use. Therefore, the results of this study can provide useful evidence about adolescent behaviors in predicting current HTP use.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.129-138
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• 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant surge in glove usage, as recommended by the World Health Organization. Despite efforts to ensure the quality and safety of gloves, glove-associated skin diseases such as hand dermatitis have become ubiquitous, particularly among health care workers. This review discusses the prevalence, causes, and risk factors of hand dermatitis, as well as research efforts in medical gloves in the past decade to overcome glove-related hand dermatitis. Research papers from 2013 to 2022 were reviewed, selecting only 49 relevant papers from the Ovid, PubMed, and Scopus databases. The average prevalence of hand dermatitis among health care workers increased from 21.08% to 37.24% upon the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The cases are likely due to allergies to latex proteins, rubber additives, and accelerators commonly found in gloves. Using alternatives to latex gloves, such as accelerator-free and latex-free glove options, can help reduce allergy-induced hand dermatitis. Strict hand hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing and the use of sanitizers, are also contributing factors in contracting hand dermatitis. Over the past decade, glove research advancements have focused mainly on reducing or immobilizing latex proteins. These include the use of biodegradable dialdehyde, sodium alginate, arctigenin, bromelain, papain, UV-LED, prototype photoreactors, and structure-modified nanosilica with silane A174. Two effective hand dermatitis preventive measures, i.e. an additional layer of glove liners and the use of gentle alcohol-based hand sanitizer, were recommended. These advancements represent promising steps towards mitigating hand dermatitis risks associated with glove usage.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.115-123
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• 2019

An analytical method was developed for the determination of fenpropimorph, a morpholine fungicide, in hulled rice, potato, soybean, mandarin and green pepper using QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) sample preparation and LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry). The QuEChERS extraction was performed with acetonitrile followed by addition of anhydrous magnesium sulfate and sodium chloride. After centrifugation, d-SPE (dispersive solid phase extraction) cleanup was conducted using anhydrous magnesium sulfate, primary secondary amine sorbents and graphitized carbon black. The matrix-matched calibration curves were constructed using seven concentration levels, from 0.0025 to 0.25 mg/kg, and their correlation coefficient ($R^2$) of five agricultural products were higher than 0.9899. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.001 and 0.0025 mg/kg, respectively, and the limits of quantification for the analytical method were 0.01 mg/kg. Average recoveries spiked at three levels (LOQ, $LOQ{\times}10$, $LOQ{\times}50$, n=5) and were in the range of 90.9~110.5% with associated relative standard deviation values less than 5.7%. As a result of the inter-laboratory validation, the average recoveries between the two laboratories were 88.6~101.4% and the coefficient of variation was also below 15%. All optimized results were satisfied the criteria ranges requested in the Codex guidelines and Food Safety Evaluation Department guidelines. This study could serve as a reference for safety management relative to fenpropimorph residues in imported and domestic agricultural products.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.84-88
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• 2000

Secondary peptic ulceration and gastritis have been known to be associated with stress, exogenous agents, drugs or infection. Salicylate (aspirin) ingestion has been known to be associated with increased incidence of gastric ulcer and more frequently as the cause of hemorrhagic gastric erosions and gastritis. Some medications such as tetracyclines and iron preparations have been associated with ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract. Chemotherapeutic agents including cytoxan and methotrexate also have been implicated in the development of mucosal and gastrointestinal ulcers. We have experienced two cases of hemorrhagic gastric ulcers due to creosote ingestion in a 13 month and a 5 year old boys. Creosote is a main component of one of the popular digestives, Jungrohwan in Japan and Korea.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.101-127
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• 1984

The study of interaction between riboflavin derivatives and biologically active substances was reviewed. With combination of spectroscopic methods such as NMR, UV, Fluorescence and IR, informations about interaction mechanism including hydrogen bond formation, conformation of association complex, and association constant were obtained. 1. Riboflavin associated with adenine but not with other bases found in the nucleic acids. -CONHCO- group was included in the formation of hydrogen bond with adenine. 2. Riboflavin interacted with alcohol to make a 1 : 1 association complex through the 3N-imino and 2C-carbonyl group of the isoalloxazine ring and the hydroxyl group of the alcohols. 3. Riboflavin associated with salicylates to produce the cyclic hydrogen-bonded dimer. The strongest complex was formed with salicylic acid, a weaker one with aspirin, and an even weaker one with salicylamide. 4. Other bio-active substances, orotic acid and inhibitors such as phenol, trichloroacetic acid and indol also formed hydrogen bond with riboflavin. 5. Reduced riboflavin showed strong self-association to produce the cyclic hydrogen-bonded complex and it associated with adenine and with cytosine to form 1 : 3 complex.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.157-163
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• 2015

Nanotechnology has advanced at an extremely rapid pace over the past several years in numerous fields of research. However, the uptake of nanoparticles (NPs) into the body after administration through various routes may pose a risk to human health. In this study, we investigated the potential ocular toxicity of 20-nm, negatively- charged zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs in rats using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histopathological assessment. Animals were divided into four groups as control group, ZnO NPs treatment group (500 mg/kg/day), control recovery group, and ZnO NPs treatment and recovery group. Ocular samples were prepared from animals treated for 90 days (10 males and 10 females, respectively) and from recovery animals (5 males and 5 females, respectively) sacrificed at 14 days after final treatment and were compared to age-matched control animals. Micro-CT analyses represented the deposition and distribution of foreign materials in the eyes of rats treated with ZnO NPs, whereas control animals showed no such findings. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and energy dispersive spectrometry showed the intraocular foreign materials as zinc in treated rats, whereas control animals showed no zinc signal. Histopathological examination revealed the retinopathy in the eyes of rats treated with ZnO NPs. Neuronal nuclei expression was decreased in neurons of the ganglion cell layer of animals treated with ZnO NPs compared to the control group. Taken together, treatment with 20-nm, negatively-charged ZnO NPs increased retinopathy, associated with local distribution of them in ocular lesions.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.118-123
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• 2018

The objective of this study was to develop a sensitive method for the identification and determination of nitrovin in fishery products by using a solid-phase extraction (SPE), as performed with a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The samples were extracted with a mixture of acetonitrile and water, and were then defatted with acetonitrile saturated hexane, after which further clean-up was accomplished with SPE on the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) cartridges. The analytes were subsequently ionized in the positive mode of an electrospray ionization (ESI), and where thereby detected in a process of multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The linearity (expressed as correlation coefficients) of the matrix calibration curves was > 0.985. The limit of the quantification for the nitrovin was measured at 0.001 mg/kg. The accuracy (expressed as average recovery) was noted between 72.1 and 122%. The precision (expressed as coefficient variation) was noted from 2.9 to 16.9%. According to the CODEX CAC/GL-71 guideline accuracy, precision, linearity, and limit of detection were determined in three matrices (which were flatfish, eel and shrimp). The proposed method was suitable for analyzing the associated nitrovin residues. This application and result can also be a factor to contribute to the non-detection drugs management in fishery products.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.12 no.11
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• pp.5012-5018
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• 2011

According to the nationwide survey of tuberculosis from 1965 to 1995, the incidence and drug resistance rate of tuberculosis have been decreased in Korea, but the prevalence of multidrug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is still a serious problem. The purpose of this study is to investigate the drug resistance rate and pattern of tuberculosis in Daejeon from 2001 to 2008. Of the total 581cases where the drug susceptibility test was performed, resistance to at least one anti-TB drug was found in 104 cases(17.9%) of these, 68(11.7%) were resistant to at least INH and 41(7.1%) were resistant to at least RFP. Single-drug resistance was found for isolates from 37(6.4%) ; 18(3.1%) of these were resistant to INH and 5(0.9%) to RFP. Multidrug resistance, where TB was resistant to at least isoniazid and refampin, was found in 35 cases(6.0%). and Factors associated with MDR-TB included age under 40-60.The drug-resistance rate of pulmonary TB, especially MDR-TB, is higher in the initial treated patients at a private referral hospital than in those in the pubulic sector. Initial drug resistance is common and the drug susceptibility test is informative for pulmonary TB patients who have not received previous TB treatment. The need for an improved control program, coupled with early diagnosis of MDR-TB, to reduce the spread and development of resistance. Multidrug resistance rate is still problem in korea. Efforts to decrease multidrug resistance rate either independently or in cooperation with the pubulic sector will be needed.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.831-837
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• 1995

Background: We conducted a study to determine the factors associated with, patterns of, and proportion of cases of pulmonary tuberculosis with multiple drug-resistance at Kosin medical center in Pusan. Methods: We abstracted data from 141 patients, who had active pulmonary tuberculosis and report forms of drug susceptibility between 1986 and 1994, and related the previous treatment history, the extent of lung involvement and the presence of cavities on chest X-ray films to the drug resistance. Results: Overall, 59(41.8%) of the 141 cases of tuberculosis were resistant to at least one drug and 29(20.9%) of the 139 cases were resistant to isoniazid(INH) and rifampin(RIF). Among the 63 patients with previous tuberculosis therapy, 40(63.5%) had isolates that were drug-resistant and 24(38.1%) were multi-drug resistant. Among the 78 without previous therapy, 19(24.4%) had isolates that were drug-resistant and 5(7.5%) were multi-drug resistant. For all 141, resistance to INH was most common(39.0%) followed by RIF(21.6%), ethambutol(EMB, 16.3%), $\rho$- aminosalicylic acid(10.8%), streptomycin(SM, 8.7%), and pyrazinamide(PZA, 8.0%). INH, RIF and PZA resistances were independently associated with a history of previous tuberculosis therapy (odds ratio; 3.3, 7.2 and 10.8 respectively), and RIF and SM resistance were significantly high according to the extent of lung involvement on the chest films(odds ratio; 2.9 and 2.8 respectively). Conclusions: We conclude, (1) that all persons in whom pulmonary tuberculosis is diagnosed should initially receive at least four-drug therapy(INH, RIF, PZA, and EMB or SM), (2) that susceptibility testing be done in all culture-positive patient, and (3) that those with a history of previous tuberculosis therapy or those who have advanced pulmonary tuberculosis need very careful clinical and microbiological follow-up.