• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.55 no.7
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• pp.2447-2453
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• 2023

The radioactivity concentrations of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) i.e., ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴K in various chemical fertilizers being used in the agricultural soil of Pakistan were determined utilizing gamma spectrometry by employing a High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. The radioactivity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴K extended from 2.58 ± 0.8-265.7 ± 8.8 Bq kg^-1, 1.53 ± 0.14-76.6 ± 1.07 Bq kg^-1 and 36.5 ± 1.34-15606.7 ± 30.2 Bq kg^-1 respectively. The radiological hazard parameters such as internal and external indices and annual effective dose rates were calculated, while excessive lifetime cancer risk factors for the indoor and outdoor areas were found in the range from 0.3×10^-3 to 10.723×10^-3 and 0.03×10^-3 to 2.7948×10^-3 of most fertilizers, however, some values were slightly higher than the UNSCEAR (The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation) recommended values for potash-containing fertilizers such as MOP (Muriate of Potash).

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.393-404
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• 2004

Background : Nucleic acid hybridization has become an essential technique in the development of our understanding of gene structure and function. The quantitative analysis of hybridization has been used in the measurement of genome complexity and gene copy number. The filter hybridization assay is rapid, sensitive and can be used to measure RNAs complementary to any cloned DNA sequence. Methods : The authors assessed the accuracy, linearity, correlation coefficient and specificity of the hybridization depending on the added dose(0, 1, 5, and $10{\mu}g$) of non-specific rat spleen RNA to hybridization of surfactant protein A mRNA. Filter hybridization assays were used to obtain the equation of standard curve and thereby to quantitate the mRNA quantitation. Results : 1. Standard curve equation of filter hybridization assay between counts per minute (X) and spleen RNA input (Y) was Y=0.13X-19.35. Correlation coefficient was 0.98. 2. Standard curve equation of filter hybridization assay between counts per minute (X) and surfactant protein A mRNA transcript input (Y) was Y=0.00066X-0.046. Correlation coefficient was 0.99. 3. Standard curve equation of filter hybridization assay between counts per minute (X) and surfactant protein A mRNA transcript input (Y) after the addition of $1{\mu}g$ spleen RNA was Y=0.00056X-0.051. Correlation coefficient was 0.99. 4. Standard curve equation of filter hybridization assay between counts per minute (X) and surfactant protein A mRNA transcript input (Y) after the addition of $5{\mu}g$ spleen RNA was Y=0.00065X-0.088. Correlation coefficient was 0.99. 5. Standard curve equation of filter hybridization assay between counts per minute (X) and surfactant protein A mRNA transcript input (Y) after the addition of $10{\mu}g$ spleen RNA was Y=0.00051X-0.10. Correlation coefficient was 0.99. Conclusions : Comparison of cpm/filter in a linear range allowed accurate and reproducible estimation of surfactant protein A mRNA copy number irrespective of the addition dosage of non-specific rat spleen RNA over the range $0-10{\mu}g$.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.109-122
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• 2002

The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the effects of the Nuegra on enhancement of the masculine and physical activities in general through measuring changes of the testosterone, FSH and subjective symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, urinary stream, muscular weakness, libido and erectile dysfunction. Total 168 male subjects were enrolled from 12 urology, internal medicine clinics and general practitioner, During the 6-week investigational period, 2 capsules of Nuegra were given to the subjects right after meal for 4 weeks, and 1 capsule of Nuegra was added each time in subjects with no or minimal effect. Testoster-one and FSH levels were measured at first visit and last visit, for evaluating masculine activities. To avoid bias and standardize the test results, only one clinic was assigned as a central lab, and all blood samples were transferred. General information and subjective symptoms were evaluated at first visit and at 2 weeks interval, week 2, 4 and 6 using VAS (Visual Analogue Scale). The mean age of the subjects were 51.8${\pm}$8.2 years old (range: 36.1-82.1). Based on the subjects who were tested on testosterone and FSH levels at day l and week 6, the means were 4.4${\pm}$1.4 nmol/L (range: 2.6-7.7), 8.6${\pm}$9.6 mIU/mL (range: 0.3-40.4), respectively at day 1. At week 6, the results were 4.9 ${\pm}$1.6 (2.6-8.9 range), 9.4${\pm}$13.1 (1.0-53.9 range), respectively. Marginally significant difference between pre-dose and post-dose was present. Statistically significant differences were revealed in general assessment for subjective symptoms, fatigue, insomnia, erectile dysfunction, etc. In fatigue, response rates were 39.6, 65.4 and 76.4% at week 2, 4 and 6, respectively (P < 0.0001). Response vates for erectile dysfunction were 13.4, 41.2 and 72.7% at week 2, 4, and 6 (P < 0.0001), respectively, Response rates for libido were 13.6, 51.6 and 73.5% at week 2, 4, and 6 (P < 0.0001), respectively. For urinary stream response rates were 26.9, 44.7 and 66.8% at week 2, 4, and 6 (P < 0.0001), respectively. VAS for muscular weakness did not show significant results that response rates were 40, 60 and 80% at week 2, 4, and 6 from 8.2 (P ＝ 0.24), respectively. Response rates for insomnia were 50, 60, 100% at week 2, 4, and 6 (P < 0.0001), respectively. The results shows that Nuegra tends to enhance masculine activities including libido, erectile dysfunction and urinary stream and also effective for improving general conditions especially insomnia, muscular weakness and fatigue. In conclusion, this investigation has demonstrated that Nuegra does not only have tendency to increase masculine activities through increased secretion of the testosterone and FSH but also improve general conditions such as erectile dysfunction, libido, fatigue and muscular power.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.2 s.62
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• pp.95-104
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• 2005

Objectives: This was a double blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study for evaluation of safety and effective dose finding of Cardiotonic Pills$^{(R)}$ in patients with chest pain and discomfort. Cardiotonic Pills$^{(R)}$ are composed of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix (丹蔘), Notoginseng Radix (三七根) and Borneolum (龍腦). Major effects of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix and Notoginseng Radix are vasodilatation, sedation and analgesic action. Borneolum has an antibacterial effect, and can stimulate the central nervous system. All of these substances are oriental herbs that have been used for a long time in east Asia. Cardiotonic Pills fi received Investigational New Drug (IND) approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA and 40 million people in the world take this pill. We performed a phase IV clinical study to confirm its efficacy and safety in patients who have probable cardiogenic or psychogenic chest pain or chest stifling. Methods: This study was planned for a multi-center clinical trial including four university hospitals of oriental medicine in Korea. This was the first time to evaluate the 'planning treatment according to diagnosis (辨證施治)' of chest pain or chest discomfort according to oriental medical guidelines. The patients who were included in this trial were adult volunteers from 20 to 70 years old who had chest pain or chest discomfort more than twice during a recent month, and we received written consent to participate in this study from all of them. After administration of Cardiotonic Pills$^{(R)}$ for 8 weeks, number of occurrences, duration, appearance and degree of chest pain or chest discomfort was observed and degree of symptoms (severity of illness, global improvement) were measured using a patient's global assessment composite scale. Results: In the patient's global assessment scale, the severity of illness of the Cardiotonic Pills$^{(R)}$ group (n=25) was 14/25=0.56 but of the placebo group (n=25) was 7/25=0.28 (p-value=0.0449). This result indicates Cardiotonic Pills$^{(R)}$have a positive effect on the symptoms of chest pain and discomfort. However, the global improvement of the Cardiotonic Pills$^{(R)}$group was 23/25=0.92, and of the placebo group was 22/25=0.88 (p-value=0.6374). The total symptom score of the Cardiotonic Pills$^{(R)}$ group was $1.68\pm20.06$, and of the placebo group was $16.76\pm72.l4$(p-value=0.2285). The number of symptom events of the Cardiotonic Pills$^{(R)}$ group was $72\pm29.78$, and of the placebo group (n=25) was $10.80\pm38.42$ (p­value=0.3660). We could not find any effects on the other factors examined besides the severity of illness, beyond the difference of standard deviations. Conclusions: Cardiotonic Pills$^{(R)}$ significantly reduced chest pain and chest discomfort in patients. Therefore, we expect that Cardiotonic Pills$^{(R)}$ will be helpful for patients with chest pain and chest discomfort not only caused by heart disease but also by other diseases.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.7-13
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• 2014

Phosphate rock, phosphogypsum, and products in phosphate processing facility contain naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). Therefore, they may give rise to enhanced radiation dose to workers due to inhalation of airborne particulates. Internal dose due to particle inhalation varies depending on particle properties. The objective of the present study was to characterize particle properties at the largest phosphate processing facility in Korea. A cascade impactor was employed to sample airborne particulates at various processing areas in the plant. The collected samples were used for characterization of particle size distribution, particle concentration in the air, and shape analysis. Aerodynamic diameters of airborne particulates ranged 0.03-100 ${\mu}m$ with the highest concentration at the particle size range of 4.7-5.8 ${\mu}m$ (geometric mean = 5.22 ${\mu}m$) or 5.8-9.0 ${\mu}m$ (geometric mean = 7.22 ${\mu}m$). Particle concentrations in the air varied widely by sampling area up to more than two orders of magnitude. The large variation resulted from the variability of mechanical operations and building ventilations. The airborne particulates appeared as spheroids or rough spherical fragments across all sampling areas and sampled size intervals. Average mass densities of phosphate rocks, phosphogypsums, and fertilizers were 3.1-3.4, 2.1-2.6, and 1.7 $gcm^{-3}$, respectively. Radioactivity concentration of uranium series in phosphate rocks varied with country of origin, ranging 94-866 $Bqkg^{-1}$. Among the uranium series, uranium was mostly concentrated on products, including phosphoric acid or fertilizers whereas radium was concentrated on byproducts or phosphogypsum. No significant radioactivity of $^{226}Ra$ and $^{228}Ra$ were found in fertilizer. However, $^{40}K$ concentration in fertilizer was up to 5,000 Bq $g^{-1}$. The database established in this study can be used for the accurate risk assessment of workers due to inhalation of airborne particles containing NORM. In addition, the findings can be used as a basic data for development of safety standard and guide and for practical radiation safety management at the facility.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.140-145
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• 2018

The skin of the human body occupies the largest surface area of the body and acts as a protection for the person's internal organs. As such, the skin is a major target of oxidative stressors, and these oxidative stressors are known to contribute to skin aging over the course of time. For the most part, an antioxidant is an effective approach to utilize to prevent symptoms related to the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced aging of the skin. Therefore, we investigated the antioxidant and anti-aging activity of the leaves of the Quercusaliena Blume extract (QBE). In our study, we confirmed that the cell viability tested with XTT {2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide innersalt} assay was not affected up to a concentration of $100{\mu}g/mL$. In addition, the cell viability of HDF cells induced by hydrogen peroxide was recovered from 81% to 104% after treatment with QBE, which showed the greater protective effect than that of ascorbic acid. Treatments of QBE dose-dependently inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in HDF cells induced by hydrogen peroxide, which correlated with their protective effects on cell viability. Since QBE treatment exhibited the suppression effect of skin aging by decreasing the ROS production, QBE could be used as a not only natural anti-aging but also antioxidant resource.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.99-107
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• 2015

Objectives : This study was designed to obtain basic data for a further large-scale trial as evaluating the efficacy and safety of Geochangmanryeung-dan(GMD) and acupuncture on patient with spinal stenosis treated by epidural steroid injection. Methods: The study is a randomized controlled pilot clinical trial, conducted over 8 weeks. Twenty participants will be recruited and randomly allocated to 2 groups: an experimental(GMD and acupuncture with epidural steroid injection) group and a control(only epidural steroid injection) group. The epidural steroid injection will be administered once per 2 weeks for 6 weeks(3 times in total). GMD will be administered as a dose of 5 pills, 3 times per day, for 6 weeks. Acupuncture will be performed 2 times per week for 6 weeks(12 times in total). The primary outcome will be measured by visual analogue scale and self-rated walking distance. The secondary outcome will be measured by PainVision, short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, and Oswestry Disability Index. Both primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at baseline, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. The last assessment(at 8 weeks) will be performed 2 weeks after treatment cessation. Conclusions : This clinical trial, as the pilot study for a future large-scale trial, will provide clinical information for evaluating the efficacy and safety of GMD and acupuncture treatment in combination with epidural steroid injection for the treatment of spinal stenosis.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.73-90
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• 2004

The Reg. Guide 1.109 model was reviewed against its applicability to calculating radionuclide concentrations in agricultural products for operating nuclear facilities and an improved method was proposed. The model was so modified that the radionuclides deposited since the start of operation could be considered in assessing the root uptake. Translocation factors were introduced in the equation for calculating the concentrations in edible parts due to direct plant deposition. Values specific to Korea were set up for the input parameters of the modified model. The concentrations of $^{54}Mn,\;^{60}Co,\;^{90}Sr\;and\;^{137}Cs$ in rice seeds, Chinese cabbage and radish root were calculated for various hypothetical deposition histories using the Reg. Guide 1.109 model and the modified model with parameter values in the guide and those specific to Korea put in alternately. Through comparisons among the results, it could be expected that the use of the modified model with the input of parameter values specific to Korea would result In a more resonable and realistic assessment.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.1925-1931
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• 2024

The study conducted in the northwest region of Jordan aimed to assess the levels of natural radioactivity in soil and olive mill pomace (OMP) samples. The researchers used Nal (TI) gamma-ray spectrometry to measure the activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K, and ¹³⁷Cs in the samples. The average activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K, and ¹³⁷Cs in the soil samples were found to be 18.624 ± 5.82, 12.276 ± 5.728, 518.33 ± 212.57, and 0.140 ± 0.09 (Bq, kg^-1), respectively. In the OMP samples, the average activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K were 7.272 ± 4.386, 3.454 ± 1.503, and 169.997 ± 81.873 (Bq kg^-1), respectively, and no ¹³⁷Cs was detected. The study also investigated fundamental parameters associated with radon, specifically the radon emanation coefficient (Rn_EC) and radon mass exhalation rate (E_x). The Rn_EC values ranged from 0.621 to 0.78 (Bq kg^-1), with an average value of 0.71 ± 0.06 (Bq kg^-1). The estimated E_x from the soil samples ranged from 65.83 to 124.86 (mBq kg^-1h^-1), with an average value of 99.74 ± 21.73 (mBq kg^-1h^-1). Regarding radiological hazards, the study examined various parameters, including radium equivalent activity, external and internal hazard indices, gamma and alpha indices, absorbed gamma dose rate, and excess lifetime cancer risk. All of these assessed values were found to be below the worldwide recommended limits for radiological safety. Additionally, the study analyzed the concentrations of gross alpha and gross beta radioactivities in soil and OMP samples. The soil samples had an average gross alpha activity of 4.642 ± 1.04 (Bq kg^-1) and an average gross beta activity of 48.13 ± 14.50 (Bq kg^-1). The OMP samples showed an average gross alpha activity of 0.32 ± 0.27 (Bq kg^-1) and an average gross beta activity of 59.19 ± 12.94 (Bq kg^-1). Overall, the obtained results are crucial for evaluating the radiological risks associated with natural radioactivity in the northwest region of Jordan. The findings establish baseline data for comparison and reference for radioactivity levels in the environment.