• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.294-308
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• 2002

Background : The cell-mediated immune response plays an important role in tuberculosis. After being activated by mycobacterial antigens, T lymphocytes express a high affinity receptor (IL-2R) for interleukin-2 (IL-2) on their own surface and release a soluble fraction of the IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) from the cell membrane into the circulation. Neopterin is a metabolite of guanosine-triphosphate, which is produced by stimulated macrophages under the influence of IFN-$\gamma$ with a T lymphocyte origin. Therefore, the utility of sIL-2R, IFN-$\gamma$ and the neopterin levels as immunologic indices of the cell-mediated immune response and severity of disease in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis was assessed. Methods : The serum sIL-2R, IFN-$\gamma$ and neopterin levels were measured in 39 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, 6 patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis prior to treatment and 10 healthy subjects. The serum and pleural sIL-2R, neopterin and ADA levels were measured in 22 patients with tuberculous pleurisy. The patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were divided into a mild, moderate and severe group according to the severity by ATS guidelines. To compare the results from these patients with those of the pretreatment levels, the sIL-2R, IFN-$\gamma$ and neopterin levels were measured in 36 of the 39 patients(1 patient, expired; 2 patients were referred to a sanitarium) with pulmonary tuberculosis after 2 months of treatment. Results : 1) the serum sIL-2R and IFN-$\gamma$ levels were elevated in patients with tuberculosis when compared to those of healthy subjects (p>0.05). The neopterin concentration in the serum was significantly lower in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis($2967{\pm}2132.8$ pg/ml) than in healthy controls($4949{\pm}1242.1$ pg/ml)(p<0.05). 2) In the pulmonary tuberculosis group, the serum sIL-2R and IFN-$\gamma$ levels were higher in patients with severe disease than those in patients with mild and moderate disease. However, the neopterin levels declined as the pulmonary tuberculosis became more severe (p<0.01). 3) The mean serum sIL-2R and IFN-$\gamma$ levels declined from $1071{\pm}1139.4$ U/ml to $1023{\pm}1920.9$ U/ml(p>0.05), $41{\pm}52.8$ pg/ml to $22{\pm}23.9$ gm/ml(p<0.05), respectively, after 2 month of treatment. The mean serum neopterin levels increased from $3158{\pm}2272.6$ pg/ml to $3737{\pm}2307.5$ pg/ml(p>0.05) after a 2 month of treatment. These findings were remarkable in the severe group of pulmonary tuberculosis with a clinical correlation. 4) In the patients with tuberculous pleurisy, the serum sIL-2R and ADA were significantly higher than those in the pleural fluid, However, the neopterin levels in the sera and pleural effusion were similar. Conclusion : On the basis of this study, sIL-2R, IFN-$\gamma$ and neopterin measurements may not only provide an insight into the present state of the cell-mediated immune response, but also serve as parameters monitoring of the prognosis of the disease, particularly in patients with severe pulmonary tuberculosis. In addition, an assay of the pleural sIL-2R levels might signal a stimulated local immunity including T cell activation in the tuberculous pleural effusion.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.8
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• pp.893-897
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• 2009

Purpose : Advances in neonatal intensive care have improved the survival rate of low-birth-weight infants, but mild bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) with the accompanying need for prolonged oxygen supplement remains problematic. Maternal chorioamnionitis and neonatal ventilator care affect the development of BPD. This study aimed to examine whether maternal chorioamnionitis or neonatal ventilator care affect the development of BPD dependently or independently. Methods : We performed a retrospective study of 158 newborn infants below 36 weeks of gestational age and 1,500 gm birth weight admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Daegu Fatima Hospital between January 2000 and December 2006. We analyzed the incidence of BPD according to maternal chorioamnionitis and neonatal ventilator care. Result : Histologic chorioamnionitis was observed in 50 of 158 infants (31.6%). There were no significant differences in the development of BPD (P=0.735) between the chorioamnionitis (+) and chorioamnionitis (-) groups. In the multiple regression analysis, ventilator care (OR=7.409, 95% CI=2.532-21.681) and neonatal sepsis (OR=4.897, 95% CI=1.227-19.539) affected the development of BPD rather than maternal chorioamnionitis (OR=0.461, 95% CI=0.201-1.059). Conclusion : Ventilator care or neonatal sepsis may play a role in the development of BPD rather than maternal chorioamnionitis.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.44-49
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• 2009

Purpose : Early surfactant treatment and minimal ventilation, bronchopulmonary dysplasia needed prolonged oxygen supplement is a problem. This study aimed to report the effects of early surfactant treatment and minimal ventilation on the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in respiratory distress syndrome. Methods : We retrospectively studied 139 premature newborn infants (gestational age, 36 weeks; birth weight, 1,500 gm) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Daegu Fatima Hospital between January 2001 and December 2006. We analyzed the occurrence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia with respect to ventilator care and surfactant treatment. Results : The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia was significantly higher with prolonged ventilator care, moderate to severe respiratory distress syndrome, and low Apgar score (P<0.001). Despite early surfactant treatment and minimal ventilation, mild bronchopulmonary dysplasia occurs in a considerable number of patients with mild respiratory distress syndrome. The patient group with low Apgar scores required ventilator care for a prolonged period (P=0.020). Conclusion : Early surfactant treatment and minimal ventilation shortens the duration of ventilator care; however, the preventive effects on bronchopulmonary dysplasia are limited. Therefore, not only early surfactant treatment and minimal ventilation but also appropriate management in the delivery room is essential.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.120-128
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• 1976

Two experiments were conducted to study the nature of protein degradation in fish muscle postmortem, first one with English sole (Paraphyrus vetulus) followed by another with rockfish (Sebastodes spp.). In the first one, proteolysis was measured by the increase of amino-N in gutted fish during storage in ice and in the homogenates prepared from fish of different ice storage during $20^{\circ}C-incubation$. In order to test the possible involvement of fish muscle a cathepsin, a portion of each homogenate sample was exposed to 0.5 Mrad of gamma radiation to destroy viable microorganisms prior to the incubation. Proteolysis was not detected until viable count reached a level above $10^7$ cells per gm fish flesh, corresponding to 31 days of ice storage. Even if fish flesh were mechanically disrupted by means of homogenization and subsequently incubated at $20^{\circ}C$, proteloysis attributable to muscle cathepsin was not detected. In the second with rockfish muscle aseptically prepared from freshly killed fish, the samples were inoculated with a proteolytic strain of fish spoilage Pseudomonad or irradiated at 0, 0.5 and 3.0 Mrad. The four samle groups were stored at $0-2^{\circ}C$ to compare the spoilage pattern of sterile and non-sterile muscle. In sterile muscle both total-N (extracted in 0.5M KCl) and amino-N $(soluble\;in\;70\%\;ethanol)$ declined slightly while the inoculated muscle showing increase in parallel with the increase of number of inoculated bacterium. The results indicate that proteolysis is a part of normal fish spoilage and the onset of proteolysis is delayed until viable count reaches its maximum level. Contribution of fish muscle cathepsin to protein degradation in white flesh fish muscle post-mortem is nil.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.9-16
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• 1969

It is well known that a number of -SH and -SS containing substances afford a certain measure of protection against radiation effects in many biological systems, and it is conceivable that inherent -SH levels in Ehrlich ascites tumour (ELD)cells may be of decisive improtance with respect to the development of cellular radiation injury. So far, little effort has been directed to elucidate the changes in levels of different -SH and -SS groups in ELD cells when the tumour-bearing whole animal was subjected to the sublethal dose of X-irradiation. The present study was designed to bring some lights in the possible changes of and relationship between various sulfhydryl levels, such as P-SH, NP-SH and NP-SS, as well as the content of protein and cell volume of ELD cells, after subjecting the ELD mice to 1,200 r of X-irradiation. The animals used in this experiment were all mixed bred mice of $20{\sim}25\;gm$ in body weight (approximately 2 months old) irrespective of sex. 12 mice in one experiment were inoculated intraperitoneally with 0.2 ml of ascites tumour cells $(2{\times}10^6\;cells)$, and on the 7th day of the tumour growth, they were X-irradiated with 1,200 r, using the conventional X-ray machine under the following conditions: 200 Kv at 15 mA, 0.5 mm Cu filter, target-skin distance: 50 cm. Radiation dose was measured with the the Philip integrating dosimeter. At 24, 36, 48 and 60 hours after the X-irradiation, the mice were killed by cervical dislocation, and the tumours were taken out. Freshly withdrawn ascites tumours were placed in ice, and immediately the cell concentration was measured with the Coulter Cell Counter (Model B), and the hematocrit of the tumour cells were also determined. Cell volume was thus calculated by the cell concentration and hematocrit value. P-SH content of ELD cells was measured potentiometrically according to the method of Calcutt & Doxey, and NP-SH and NP-SS contents were measured spectrophotometrically by the method described by Ellman. Protein content of ELD cells was determined with the Folin phenol reagent by Lowry et al. Altogether, 48 experimental mice were used, and 12 mice with the only exception of X-irradiation were used as the control. Results obtained indicate that the contents of all the cellular sulfhydryl groups as well as cell volume and protein content of the ELD cells increase significantly as time progresses after the sub-lethal X-ray dose of 1,200 r was given and that all the increase is in a lineal fashion. The regression lines of the relative values, (i. e., taking each control value as 1) of all the values obtained, and the regression lines of cell volume, protein and NP-SH are identical, whereas those of NP-SS and P-SH appear to be widely seperated. However, the difference of those two lines (NP-SS & P-SH) were found to be not significant statistically (p>0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded from the above results that all the values examined increase in a lineal fashion with no statistically significant difference among them. Also, with the radiation dose of 1,200 r, the ELD cell becomes enlarged and swollen progressively up to 60 hours post-irradiation and it becomes more than two times of the original normal size at 60 hours after the irradiation, and up to this stage, it seems apparent that the cell division has been slow due to the X-irradiation applied in this experiment. It is well understandable that the contents of NP-SH, NP-SS, P-SH and protein of the ELD cells increase in parallel with the increase of the cell volume by the X-ray does used, but it also seems interesting to note that all the cellular substances tested show no appreciable difference in the pattern of increase.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.44-52
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• 1999

Background : Airway infiltration by inflammatory cells, particularly of eosinophils, is one of the characteristic features of asthma. Several mechanisms for the recruitment of eosinophil is focused on the CD4+ T lymphocyte for the preferential production of Th2-c1erived cytokines. Interleukin-10(IL-10) is identified cytokine with potent antiinflammatory activity. This molecule has been shown to inhibit the release of cytokine from inflammatory cells including Th2 cell, and also to inhibit eosinophil survival. We therefore attempted to determine whether decreased synthesis of IL-10 in the lung of bronchial asthma may contribute to inflammation that is characteristics of this dease. Method: Subjects were patients with bronchial asthma(n=23) and normal controls(n=11). IL-10 produced from peripheral mononuclear cell(PBMC) and in bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL) fluid was measured by ELISA method. Degree of bronchial inflammation was assessed by total cell counts and eosinophil percents in BAL fluid, eosinophil infiltration on bronchial biopsy tissue and $PC_{20}$ for methacholine. Results: The IL-10 level produced by PBMC and in BAL fluid from patient with bronchial asthma were not different with normal controls(respectively, $901.6\pm220.4$ pg/ml, $810.9\pm290.8$ pg/ml for PBMC, $24.5\pm9.5$ pg/mL $30.5\pm13.5$ pg/ml for BAL fluid p>0.05). There were significant negative correlation between IL-10 in BAL fluid and eosinophil percents in BAL fluid or degree of eosinophil infiltration in bronchial biopsy (respectively r=-0.522, r=-0.4486 p<0.05). However there was no difference of IL-10 level according to $PC_{20}$ for methacholine. There were no correlation between IL-10 production by PBMC and peripheral blood eosinophil counts or serum eosinophilic cationic protein levels(respectively r=0.1146, r=0.0769 p>0.05). Conclusion: These observation suggest that IL-10 may participate but not acts the crucial role in regulation of the airway inflammation in bronchial asthma.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.17-27
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• 1981

This study was conducted to determine the chemical composition and the mechanical properties of four commercially available low gold-based crown and bridge alloy produced in Korea. Four dental casting gold-silver-palladium alloys, i.e., A, B, C and D (code of alloys) were selected for the evaluation of chemical composition, ultimate tensile strength, elongation. values and Vickers hardness. The chemical composition of test specimens was analyzed by both emission spectrography and wet gravitation method with a 1.5gm of low gold ingot. The tensile properties and Vickers hardness was determined with cast specimens treated in following three conditions; as-cast, softening heat treatment and hardening heat treatment. The tensile testing bars were cast in accordance with the model designed by Gettleman and Harrison (1969) which was modified from the A. D. A. Specification No. 14 for dental chromium-cobalt casting alloy. Nine tensile test specimens were made from a split silicone mold for each of the test alloys to the size of 2.5mm in diameter and a gauge length of 10mm. All four alloys were handled in accordance with conventional methods used in Type III gold alloys. Ultimate tensile strength and elongation were measured on an Instron Universal Tensile Testing Machine (Model 1125, Japan) operated at a crosshead rate of 0.1cm/min. Elongation values were measured using Digital Measuring Microscope (MS-152, FUSOH, Japan). Vickers hardness was determined with a Vickers Hardness Tester (Model VKH-l, Japan) at a 1.0kg load on a mounted tensile test specimen. The following results were obtained from this study; 1. All tested alloys were composed of Au, Ag, Pd, Cu, Zn and Fe in common. The composition rate of gold for all four alloys was found in the range of $42{\sim}47$ weight % as shown below. Alloy A; Au 45%, Ag 40.2%, Pd 5.76%, others 9.04%. Alloy B; Au 47.1%, Ag 29.03%, Pd 6.98%, others 16.92%. Alloy C; Au 45%, .Ag 26.9%, Pd 6.83%, others 21.07%. Alloy D; Au 41.8%, Ag 34.4%, Pd 6.95%, others 16.85%. 3. The ultimate tensile strength of the four alloys was in the range of $31{\sim}82kg/mm^2$. The test results were shown in the below order from the highest value; As-cast condition; D, B, C, A. Softening heat treament; B, C, D, A. Hardening heat treatment; D, B, C, A. 4. The test :results of the elongation rate for each alloy were in the range of $0.5{\sim}18%$. The test results were shown in the below order from the highest value; As-cast condition; A, D, B, C. Softening heat treatment; A, C, D, B. Hardening heat treatment; C, D, B, A. 5. Vickers hardness for each of the four alloys was in the range of $120{\sim}230$. The test results were shown in the below order from the highest value; As-cast condition; C, B, D, A Softening heat treatment; D, B, C, A. Hardening heat treatment; D, A, C, B. 6. There were no differences in the physical properties between as-cast condition and softening heat treatment.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.420-433
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• 1996

Background : There have been many debates about the effects of nitric oxide on the neurogenic inflammation. The role of nitric oxide in the neurogenic inflammation of airways will be required a better understanding of the localization and types of nitirc oxide synthase(NOS) activity in the neurogenic inflammation of airways. Method : To investigate the role of nitric oxide in airway neurogenic inflammation, 1) the effects of neurokinin receptor antagonist (FK224) and nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, $N^{\omega}$-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) on plasma extravastion were evaluated in four groups of Sprague-Dawley rats ; sham operation group(sham NANC group), electrical vagal stimulation group(NANC2 group), intravenous pretreatment groups with FK224 (1mg/kg ; FK224 group), and L-NNA(1mg/kg ; L-NNA group) 15 minutes before vagal NANC stimulation. 2) NOS activity in trachea with neurogenic inflammation was localized by immunohistochemical stain. Immunohistochemical stain was performed by antibodies specific for inflammatory cells(iNOS), brain(bNOS), and endothelium (eNOS) on trachea obtained from sham NANC, NANC2, and FK224 groups. Results : The results are that plasma extravsation in neurogenic inflammation of rat airways was inhibited by FK224, but enhanced by L-NNA pretreatment(P<0.05). There was significantly increased infiltration of inflammatory cells in subepithelium of neurogenic inflammatory trachea, but the reduction of subepithelial infiltration of inflammatory cells was observed after pretreatment with FK224(P<0.05). Immunostaining with anti-iNOS antibody showed strong reactivity only in infiltrated inflammatory cells in neurogenic rat trachea, and these iNOS reactivity was reduced by pretreatment with FK224. bNOS immunoreactivity was significantly increased only in the nerves both of neurogenic inflammatory and FK224 pretreated trachea compared with sham NANC trachea(p<0.05). eNOS immunoreactivity was not significant change in endothelium in neurogenic inflammation of rat trachea. Conclusion : These results suggest that nitric oxide released from iNOS in infiltrated inflammatory cells has main role in neurogenic inflammation of rat trachea. The presence of bNOS immunoreactivity in the nerves indicates that nitric oxide may be released from the nerves in rat trachea with neurogenic inflammation.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.223-232
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• 2012

Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between fish consumption and blood mercury levels in a sample of adult Koreans. Methods: The study subjects were 299 residents of Busan (male: 65, female: 234) and 185 residents of Namhae (male: 69, female: 116), South Korea. Demographic characteristics, current smoking, current drinking, fish consumption per week, past history of amalgam treatment, and residential district were recorded by trained interviewers in June and July, 2009. We considered a portion of fish to be equivalent to 70 gm weight, and calculated amounts of fish consumed per week. Using chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis, we estimated the relationships between blood mercury levels and amount of fish consumed per week and other factors. Results: The mean blood mercury level of our subjects was 6.61 ${\mu}g/L$, higher than the criterion defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (5.8 ${\mu}g/L$). In multiple linear regression analysis, residential district and amount of fish consumed per week were associated with blood mercury levels. However, marital status, current drinking, and gender, and age were not associated with blood mercury levels. Conclusions: In conclusion, we suggest the implementation of systematic and periodic population-based studies to decrease the risks of mercury poisoning among South Koreans who consume fish as a regular part of the diet.

• Journal of Climate Change Research
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.305-316
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• 2013

The purpose of this study is to monitor the flux of $CO_2$ between the atmosphere and forest. The main research activities are conducted at Taehwa Mt. (Gangju, Kyeonggi, Korea), The Taehwa site is located 60 km north-east from the center of Seoul Metropolitan Area. The TRF flux tower is in the middle of a Korean Pine (Pinus koraiensis) plantation ($400m{\times}400m$), surrounded by a mixed forest. Eddy covariance method was used for $CO_2$ flux above the forest. $CO_2$ flux was measured from September to November 2011 and March to June 2012. It was found that $CO_2$ fluxes were observed between the atmosphere and forest. $CO_2$ was absorbed by plants through photosynthesis during the day and released during the night. $CO_2$ flux were respectively observed 0.7~0.2, 0.5~0.1, $0.3{\sim}0.1mgCO_2m^{-2}s^{-1}$ in Septem- ber, October, November 2011. $CO_2$ fluxes released by plants in the early morning(00:00~07:30h) and evening(18:00~24:00h) time. But $CO_2$ was absorbed by plants through photosynthesis in the day time(08:00~7:30h).