• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.29-37
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• 2012

Purpose: To examine the prevalence of $Clostridium$ $difficile$ ($C.$ $difficile$) colonization (CDC) and potential neonatal determinants of CDC in hospitalized preterm infants. Methods: Fecal samples were serially collected within 72 h after birth and at 1, 2, and 4-6 weeks of age from preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of two different university hospitals. Total bacterial DNA was extracted from each fecal sample from 49 infants, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed with primers for the 16S gene of $C.$ $difficile$ and the toxin A and toxin B genes. The correlation between the results of $C.$ $difficile$ PCR assays and the clinical characteristics of the infants was analyzed. Results: The prevalence rates of CDC were 34.7, 37.2, 41.3, and 53.1% within 72 h after birth and at 1, 2, and 4.6 weeks of age, respectively. The toxin positivity rate was significantly higher in the infants with persistent CDC than in those with transient CDC (8/12 [66.7%] vs. 6/25 [24.5%] ($p$=0.001). Among the various neonatal factors, only the feeding method during the first week after birth was significantly associated with persistent CDC. Exclusive breast-milk feeding (EBMF) significantly decreased the risk of persistent CDC compared to formula or mixed feeding (adjusted odds ratio: 0.133, 95% confidence interval: 0.02-0.898, $p$=0.038). Conclusion: The prevalence of CDC increased with the duration of hospitalization in preterm infants in the NICU. EBMF during the first week after birth in hospitalized preterm infants may protect against persistent CDC.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.289-296
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• 2019

A novel rapid procedure with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) detection has been developed by changing various conditions including sample preparation such as QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) methodology. This work has been involved the optimization and validation of detection method for fluoroquinolones which are widespread used in livestock especially in the chicken. Five grams of homogenized chicken muscle were extracted with QuEChERS EN and acetonitrile containing 5% formic acid and cleaned with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and C₁₈ sorbent. The separation was performed on Acquity UPLC HSS T3 (2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.8 ㎛) column. The mobile phase A and B were composed of water containing 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid, respectively. Flow rate was 0.25 mL/min and column temperate was 40℃. LC-MS/MS with multiple reaction monitoring has been optimized for ten fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, danofloxacin, difloxacin, enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, orbifloxacin, pefloxacin and sarafloxacin). The method developed in this study has been presented good linearity with correlation coefficient (R²) of 0.9971~0.9998. LOD and LOQ values ranged from 0.09 to 0.76 ppb and from 0.26 to 2.29 ppb, respectively. The average recoveries were from 77.46 to 111.83% at spiked levels of 10.0 and 20.0 ㎍/kg. Relative standard deviation (%) ranged 1.28~11.90% on intra-day and 3.10~8.38 % on inter-day, respectively. This analysis method was applicable to the livestock residue laboratories and was expected to be satisfactory for the residue surveillance system.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.194-200
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• 2016

Aflatoxins and ochratoxin A (AFTs and OTA) are secondary fungal metabolites produced by several moulds, mainly by Aspergillus flavus by Aspergillus ochraceus and Penicillium verrucosum, and these toxins can be transferred to animals and humans through the ingestion of contaminated feed and food. This study was to develop the analytical method for determination the levels of AFTs ($B_1$, $B_2$, $G_1$ and $G_2$) and OTA in pork. The AFTs and OTA were analyzed simultaneously by electrospray ionization in positive ion mode and mass reaction monitoring (MRM) after solid phase extract (SPE) columns clean-up. Performance characteristics, such as accuracy, precision, linear range, limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), were also determined. Matrix-matched standard calibration was used for quantification, obtaining the recoveries in the range of 67.3~108.2% with the relative standard deviations of < 20%. Limits of detection and quantification were also estimated, obtaining the limits of quantification ranged in $0.7{\sim}1.3{\mu}g/kg$. The results of the inter-day study, which was performed with pork samples for 3 days, showed an accuracy of 92.0~109.9%. The precisions (expressed as relative standard deviation values) for the inter day variation were 2.6~17.8%. The method developed in this study was able to carry out the analysis with the satisfactory intensity and accuracy.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.39-44
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• 2014

Purpose: To investigate adverse drug reactions (ADR) and causative drugs in the elderly 65 years of age or older, using Korean spontaneous reporting adverse events reporting database from June 2009 to December 2010. Methods: We estimated the association between ADRs and implicated medications by calculating a proportional reporting ratio (PRR), reporting odds ratio (ROR), and information component (IC). We reexamined the most frequently implicated medications and ADRs, and the seriousness of ADRs. Then, we assessed reports and concordant rate of ADRs due to medications designated as "high-risk" in elderly by 2012 healthcare effectiveness data and information set (HEDIS) or "potentially inappropriate" by 2012 American Geriatrics Society updated Beers criteria for potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). Results: Among 15,484 elderly reports, data-mining analysis by PRR, ROR and IC showed that 421 drug-ADR pairs were detected as signals (3,189). The most frequently reported ADR and causative drug were urticaria (470) and contrast media agents (647), respectively. One hundred eighty nine ADR cases were graded as serious. Twenty-two kinds of high-risk medications were shown to be implicated in only 0.9% of ADRs. Only thirty-nine cases were consistent with 2012 Beers criteria or HEDIS. Conclusion: These results suggest that management of the other medications including contrast media agents as well as close monitoring of PIMs are necessary for reducing ADRs in the elderly.

• Atmosphere
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.41-54
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• 2017

Organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) in $PM_{2.5}$ were measured using Sunset OC/EC Field Analyzer at Seoul Hwangsa Monitoring Center from March to April, 2016. The mean concentrations of OC and EC during the entire period were $4.4{\pm}2.0{\mu}gC\;m^{-3}$ and $1.4{\pm}0.6{\mu}gC\;m^{-3}$, respectively. OC/EC ratio was $3.4{\pm}1.0$. The average concentrations of $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ were $57.4{\pm}25.9$ and $39.7{\pm}19.8{\mu}g\;m^{-3}$, respectively, which were detected by an optical particle counter. The OC and EC peaks were observed in the morning, which were impacted by vehicle emission, however, their diurnal variations were not noticeable. This is determined to be contributed by the long-range transported OC or secondary formation via photochemical reaction by volatile organic compounds at afternoon. A conditional probability function (CPF) model was used to identify the local source of pollution. High concentrations of $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ were observed from the westerly wind, regardless of wind speed. When wind velocity was high, a mixing plume of dust and pollution during long-range transport from China in spring was observed. In contrast, pollution in low wind velocity was from local source, regardless of direction. To know the effect of long-range transport on pollution, a concentration weighted trajectory (CWT) model was analyzed based on a potential source contribution function (PSCF) model in which 75 percentiles high concentration was picked out for CWT analysis. $PM_{10}$, $PM_{2.5}$, OC, and EC were dominantly contributed from China in spring, and EC results were similar in both PSCF and CWT. In conclusion, Seoul air quality in spring was mainly affected by a mixture of local pollution and anthropogenic pollutants originated in China than the Asian dust.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.375-380
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• 2003

The study was carried out to set up alcohol fermentation condition for uncooked brown rice. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize and monitor of the alcohol fermentation condition with uncooked brown rice. The primary variables were conducted the reaction surface regression analysis for the particle size of brown rice (20 40 60 mesh) the enzyme content (0.1,0.3,0.5%) and the agitating rate (0,100,200 rpm). Their optimization was 35~42 mesh for the size of particle and 0.32~0.43% for enzyme content by SAS (Statistical Analysis System). The coefficient of determination ($R^2$) in ingredients was admitted at the significant level of 5~10% in all ingredients except for a reducing sugar. Predicted values at optimum alcohol fermentation condition agreed with experimental values. During the fermentation, pH was decreased from 6.25 to 4.34, and total acidity was increased from 0.15 to 0.2. The amino acidity was decreased from 1.88 to 0.92, reducing sugar and total sugar contents were decreased 213 mg% and 1,077 mg%, respectively. Alcohol content was increased to 10% after 48 hr fermentation.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.247-255
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• 2016

BACKGROUND: Acrylamide (CAS No. 79-06-1) is known to be a carcinogenic compound, and is classified as a Group 2A compound by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC, 1994). Acrylamide can be generated during the browning process via the non-enzymatic Maillard reaction of carbohydrates such as reducing sugars and of amino acids such as asparagine, both of which occur at a temperature above $120^{\circ}C$. Potato tubers contain reducing sugars, and thus, this will affect the safety of processed potato products such as potato chips and French fries. In order to reduce the level of acrylamide in potato processed products, it is therefore necessary to understand factors that affect the reducing sugar content of potatoes, such as environmental factors and potato storage conditions, as well as understanding factors affecting acrylamide formation during potato processing itself. METHODS AND RESULTS: Potatoes were cultivated in eight regions of Korea; For each of these different environments, soil physico-chemical characteristics such as pH, electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, available phosphate, and exchangeable cation content were measured and correlations with potato reducing sugar content and potato chip acrylamide levels were examined. The reducing sugar content in potato during storage for three months was determined and acrylamide level in potato chip was analyzed after processing. The storage temperature levels were $4^{\circ}C$, $8^{\circ}C$, or $10^{\circ}C$, respectively. The acrylamide content of chips prepared from potatoes stored at $10^{\circ}C$ or $20^{\circ}C$ for one month was analyzed and the different frying times were 2, 3, 5, and 7 min. CONCLUSION: This study showed that monitoring and controlling the phosphate content within a potato field should be sufficient to avoid producing brown or black potato chips. For potatoes stored at low temperatures, a reconditioning period ($20^{\circ}C$ for 20 days) is required in order to reduce the levels of reducing sugars in the potato and subsequently reduce the acrylamide and improve chip coloration and appearance.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.79-87
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• 2010

Field water qualities (temperature, pH, Eh, EC, DO) was monitored by 6 times March to September 2009 on background water (BW) and acid mine drainage (AMD0, AMD1, AMD2 and AMD3 points), and flow rate was measured on AMD0 point. Acid mine drainage flowed out from abandoned Ilgwang mine were high acid waters that lower than pH 3, and Eh component was ranged 400 to 600 mV. EC measured on acid mine drainage were higher over 10 times than background water, DO component was increased by reaction on the air during the water flow from AMD0 point to AMD4 point. Heavy metal concentrations in acid mine drainage were ordered Fe > Cu > Zn > Mn > As > Cd, and Fe concentration was highest for 81.870~474.30 mg/L. Monitoring periods measured maximum concentrations of heavy metals were May for As and Cd, June for Fe, July for Cu, Zn and Mn. The periods measured minimum concentrations were monitored April for Cd and Mn, September for Fe, Cu, Zn and As. Discharge mass of heavy metal components were calculated 53.44 kg for Fe, 6.25 kg for Cu, 5.26 kg for Zn, 2.13 kg for Mn, 0.14 kg for As and 0.04 kg for Cd, respectively. Total discharge mass of heavy metal components were calculated 67.26 kg for 1 day, and Fe component was taken 79% of total mass.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.642-652
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• 2006

In order to understand the characteristics of surface ozone concentration and high $O_3$ concentration days, regional data from seven air quality monitoring stations which were operated by local governments were analyzed Regional characteristics of $O_3$ concentration were analyzed with the data of $O_3$ concentration and the characteristics of $O_3$ generation and weather conditions by the selection of the days in which the concentration was higher than 80 ppb. In the case of daily variation, the lowest $O_3$ concentration was shown in all regions from 7am to 8am and the highest around at 4 pm. The monthly variation of mean $O_3$ concentration and ${\Delta}O_3$ values revealed a reducing pattern in July and August following the peak in June, and again a gradual increasing trend in September and October. The result shows that the amount of ozone is dependent on photochemical reaction. The days of $O_3$ generated more than 80 ppb in the region of Gwangyang-bay were 544 days(1,760 hrs). The frequency of occurrence in the region revealed a strong pattern with the order of Samil-dong, Jinsang, and Gwangmu-dong stations in the Gwangyang region. However, Tein-dong, which is the nearest station to air pollution material generation source, showed the lowest frequency in the study area. Consequently, the meteorological parameters which can easily generate the high concentration of $O_3$ in the region of Gwangyang-bay are characterized as follows; atmospheric temperature which is higher than $19^{\circ}C$, relative humidity with the range of $60{\sim}85%$, the less average wind velocity than 5 m/s, cloud cover which is less than 5/10, and the more duration of sunshine than 8 hours.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.234-241
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• 2016

The approach presented in this article refers to the bioanalytical method validation for the detection and quantitative determination of arsenic species including arsenite (As(III)), arsenate (As(V)), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) and monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) in dog plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP/MS). The arsenic species were separated using an agilent As speciation column by a mobile phase of 2 mM sodium phosphate monobasic, 0.2 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt dehydrate, 10 mM sodium acetate, 3 mM sodium nitrate and 1 % ethyl alcohol at pH 11 (adjusted with 1M NaOH). The method validation experiment was obtained selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, matrix effect, recovery, system suitability, dilution integrity and various stabilities. All calibration curves showed good linearity (R²>0.999) within test ranges. The lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) was 5 ng/mL for As(III), As(V) and DMA, and 20 ng/mL for MMA. The system suitability and dilution values were within 6.5 % and 7.7 %. Subsequently, the developed and validated HPLC-ICP/MS method was also successfully applied to determine the arsenic speciation in dog plasma samples, and the recoveries for the spiked samples were in the range of 91.5–102.2 %. Therefore, this method could be applied to the evaluation of arsenic exposure, health effect assessment and other bio-monitoring studies in biological samples.