• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.104-116
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• 2021

In order to reduce the social and economic costs due to the increase in dementia patients, which is a representative senile disease in an aging society, it will be important to prevent dementia and to detect and treat early in high-risk groups. This study reported the results of treatment for the elderly with high risk of dementia and depression who received Korean medicine (KM) treatment in 9 KM clinics. Medical charts were surveyed on 116 patients with high risk of dementia and depression who received KM treatment at 9 KM clinics in Gangseo-gu from September 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. The majority of the patients were female(76.72%), the average age was 71.66±7.18 years old, and the average education level was 8.96±3.91 years. The average treatment period was 61.47±10.30 days, the average number of treatments was 15.38±1.06 times, and both acupuncture and herbal medicine were administered. After receiving KM treatment, cognitive assessment scores such as MMSE-DS and MoCA-K, depression-related GDSSF-K score, dementia knowledge, attitude, and preventive behavior, blood debilitation scale, and GQOL-D score were improved compared to before. There was no specific adverse reaction except that one patient with elevated AST and ALT levels was observed. This study showed improvement in cognitive function, depression, dementia-related scale, and quality of life in high-risk groups for dementia and depression over 60 years old who received KM treatment. More systematic and large-scale planned clinical studies will be needed.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.135-144
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• 2021

In this study, we investigated the characteristics of the process of hydrogen production using boil-of gas (BOG) generated from an LNG-fueled ship and the application of hydrogen fuel cell systems as auxiliary engines. In this study, the BOG steam reformer process was designed using the UniSim R410 program, and the reformer outlet temperature, pressure, and the fraction and consumption of the product according to the steam/carbon ratio (SCR) were calculated. According to the study, the conversion rate of methane was 100 % when the temperature of the reformer was 890 ℃, and maximum hydrogen production was observed. In addition, the lower the pressure, the higher is the reaction activity. However, higher temperatures have led to a decrease in hydrogen production owing to the preponderance of adverse reactions and increased amounts of water and carbon dioxide. As SCR increased, hydrogen production increased, but the required energy consumption also increased proportionally. Although the hydrogen fraction was the highest when the SCR was 1.8, it was confirmed that the optimal operation range was for SCR to operate at 3 to prevent cocking. In addition, the lower the pressure, the higher is the amount of carbon dioxide generated. Furthermore, 42.5 % of the LNG cold energy based on carbon dioxide generation was required for cooling and liquefaction.

• Journal of Marine Life Science
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.73-79
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• 2021

Bisphenol A is a representative endocrine disruptor and continuously detected in aquatic environment due to wide use, resulting in adverse effects on growth, development, and reproduction in diverse organisms as well as human. Structural analogs have been developed to substitute BPA are also suspected to have endocrine disrupting effects. In the present study, the time-dependent expression patterns of ecdysteroid synthesis (nvd, cyp314a1), receptors (EcRA, EcRB, USP, ERR), and downstream signaling pathway - related genes (HR3, E75, Vtg, VtgR) were investigated using quantitative real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in the brackish water flea Diaphanosoma celebensis exposed to Bisphenol analogs (BPs; BPA, BPF, and BPS) for 6, 12, and 24 h. As results, the expression of nvd, cyp314a1, EcRs, USP, ERR and E75 mRNA was upregulated at 6 h exposure to BPF, which is earlier than BPA and BPS (12 h). On the other hand, HR3, E75 and VtgR mRNA levels were elevated at 6 h earlier at BPS and BPF than at BPA (12 h), but Vtg mRNA level was slightly changed within 24 h. These findings suggest that like BPA, BPF and BPS can also modulate the transcription of ecdysteroid pathway - related genes with different mechanisms, and have a potential as endocrine disruptors. This study will provide a better understanding the molecular mode of action of bisphenols on ecdysteroid pathway in the brackish water flea.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.355-362
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• 2002

One fifth dilution of formocresol is usually used for pulpotomy of the primary teeth and emergency pulpotomy of the permanent teeth. However the use of formaldehyde has been subjected to criticism because it may be absorbed into the blood stream and become distributed systemically, it nay also alter the pulp tissue rendering it immunologically active, and have carcinogenic potential. Recently Depulpin$^{\circledR}$(VoCo., Germany) gains popularity as a devitalizing agent during root canal therapy in spite of high concentration of 49 % paraformaldehyde because it facilitate devitalization of pulp and make root canal therapy easier But there have been not enough publications about the reaction of pulp and periapical tissue caused by Depulpin. This study was performed to evaluate the histological changes in pulp and periapical tissue of rats after pulpotomy using formocresol and Depulpin and to elucidate the toxic effects of these agents. Thirty six Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of ketamine Maxillary first molar teeth were used for pulpotomy with formocresol and Depulpin. Rats were sacrificed after 2 days, 4 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 4 weeks respectively. Specimens were histologically observed by light microscope changes in pulp and periapical tissue. The obtained results were as follows. 1. Formocresol group A zone of fixed tissue. in which odontoblasts could clearly be defined, was present directly underneath the pulpotomy dressing in almost all teeth of this group. This was followed by an area of necrotic tissue which resembled dried out fibrous tissue with no cellular detail except some pyknotic nuclei. In the specimens of after 2 days, 4 days, 1 week, 2 weeks in which vital tissue was present, it was separated from the fibrous area by a zone of inflammation. In the specimens of after 3 weeks and after 4 weeks, inflammatory infiltrate was in the periodontal ligament adjacent to the apical foramina of the teeth. 2. Depulpin$^{\circledR}$ group The area of necrotic tissue which had no cells and fibers, was present adjacent to the dressing. This was followed by dried out fibrous tissue with no cellular details except some pyknotic nuclei, A short stump of vital pulp with odontoblasts was present at the end of the canal after 2 days. Inflammatory infiltrate was in the periodontal ligament after 4 days and after 1week. Severe root resolution and necrosis of periapical tissue opposite the root resorption site were defined after 2 weeks and after 3 weeks. Periapical lesion which consist of necrotic tissue surrounded by a fibrous connective wall, was found after 4 weeks. The results indicated that Depulpin can cause more adverse reaction to the dental pulp and periapical tissue than formocresol, and further studies are needed for its clinical use with safety.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.25-33
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• 2013

Clenbuterol and ractopamine, which are ${\beta}$-agonists, have been misused as a growth promoting agent in meat producing animals. Clenbuterol was banned for veterinary drug in Korea because of its problems regarding safety. Due to their adverse effects, such as cardiovascular and central nervous diseases on human health proper control and monitoring should be conducted. The existing analytical method of clenbuterol and ractopamine in the Food code was improved through our present study. The bovine muscle samples were subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis, extracted with ethyl acetate and defatted by hexane-methanol partitioning. A molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) solid phase extraction cartridge was used for clean-up and LC-MS/MS was operated in positive multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Clenbuterol-$d_9$ and ractopamine-$d_3$ were used as an internal standard. The renewed method was validated according to the CODEX guideline. The limits of quantitation for clenbuterol and ractopamine were 0.2 and 0.5 ${\mu}g/kg$, respectively. The mean recoveries ranged in 104.2-113.5% for clenbuterol and in 107.6-118.1% for ractopamine. The improved method was able to save both time and expenses.

• Journal of Marine Life Science
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.35-42
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• 2020

17β-estradiol (E₂) is a natural hormone secreted by ovary, and continuously discharged from household and livestock wastewater into aquatic environment. Due to its strong estrogenic activity, it has adverse effects on development and reproduction in crustacean as an endocrine disrupting chemical. Although ecdysteroid signaling pathway play a key role in development in crustacean, little information on transcriptional modulation of ecdysteroid-related genes in response to E₂ is available in small crustacean. Here, we investigated the acute toxicity of E₂ to obtain 24-h LC_x values in the brackish water flea Diaphanosoma celebensis. Time-dependent expression patterns of seven ecdysteroid pathway - related genes (CYP314a1, EcRA, EcRB, USP, ERR, Vtg, VtgR) were further examined using quantitative real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). As results, 24-h LC₅₀ and LC₁₀ values were 9.581 mg/l and 4.842 mg/l, respectively. The mRNA expression of CYP314a1, EcRA, USP, VtgR was significantly up-regulated at 12 or 24 h after exposure to E₂. These findings indicate that E₂ can affect their molting and reproduction by modulating the expression of ecdysteroid pathway - related in D. celebensis. This study will be useful for better understanding of molecular mode of action of endocrine disrupting chemicals on molting process in small crustacean.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.163-173
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• 2006

Purpose : To reduce the number of injections necessary to vaccinate young infants, various combined vaccines have been developed. The $Comvax^{TM}$ manufactured by Merck & Co. is a combination of Hepatitis B and PRP-OMP conjugate Haemophilus influenzae Type b vaccine. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of $Comvax^{TM}$ in Korean infants. Methods : The infants who were vaccinated at 0 months of age with Hepatitis B vaccine, were recruited for this study after parental informed consent was obtained. The subjects were vaccinated with $Comvax^{TM}$ at 2 and 4 months of age. At each visit, infants were also immunized with DTaP, inactivated poliovirus vaccine, and pneumococcal vaccine when indicated. The serum anti-PRP and anti-HBs were measured at 2 months after the 1st dose(4 months age), and the 2nd dose(6 months age) by the ELISA and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay method, respectively. The local and systemic adverse reactions of vaccination were monitored for 3 consecutive days after each immunization. Results : Among sixty-five healthy infants(35 male infants) enrolled in this study; fifty eight(32 male infants) completed the scheduled immunizations. The geometric mean titers (GMTs) of anti-PRP at 2 months after the 1st dose and the 2nd dose were 1.96 ${\mu}g/mL$ (95% CI; 1.38~2.78) and 10.02 ${\mu}g/mL$ (95% CI; 7.04~14.26), respectively. Anti-PRP ${\geq}1.0$ ${\mu}g/mL$, was obtained in 63.2%(95% CI; 53.75~72.65) after 1 dose, and 96.6%(95% CI; 93.05~100) after 2 doses. The GMTs of anti-HBs were 38.32 mIU/mL(95% CI; 22.42~65.51), and 101.17 mIU/mL(95% CI; 65.94~155.25) at 2 month after the 1st dose and 2nd dose of $Comvax^{TM}$, respectively. Anti-HBs ${\geq}10$ mIU/mL was observed in 73.7%(95% CI; 65.07~82.33) after 1 dose and 94.8%(95% CI; 90.45~99.15) after 2 doses. Most of the adverse reactions after vaccination were mild. Irritability, the most common systemic reaction, was observed in 24.8%, followed by drowsiness(19.2%), poor feeding(19.2%) and fever(7.2%). Among the local reactions tenderness was observed in 25.6%, redness(${\geq}5$ mm) in 19.2% and swelling(${\geq}5$ mm) in 4.8%. Conclusion : The $Comvax^{TM}$ vaccine was highly immunogenic for PRP and safe in Korean infants. Although the hepatitis B vaccine component was administered at 0, 2, 4 months, this study showed good immunogenicity against HBsAg.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.55-61
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• 2006

There is growing concern that dietary soy intake is associated with protection of breast cancer. However, questions persist on the potential adverse effects of the main soy constituent genistein(GS) on female reproductive physiology. In this study, we examined whether prepubertal exposure to GS affected on the onset of puberty and the associated reproductive parameters such as hormone receptor expressions in female rats. GS(100mg/kg/day) was administrated daily from postnatal day 25(PND 25) to the day when the first vaginal opening(VO) was observed, and the animals were sacrificed on the day after VO occurred. Gross anatomy and tissue weight were compared to test the GS's effect on the cell proliferation. Furthermore, histological studies were performed to assess the structural alterations in tissues. Specific radioimmunoassay(RIA) were carried out to measure serum LH levels. To determine the transcriptional changes in progesterone receptors(PR), total RNAs were extracted from ovary and uterus and were applied to semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). As a results, advanced VO was shown in the GS group(PND $31.2{\pm}0.6$) compared to the vehicle group (PND $35.3{\pm}0.7$). GS treatment significantly increased wet weight of ovaries and uteri compared to the vehicle group. Increased serum LH levels were also shown in the GS group. Graafian follicles and corpora lutea(CL) were observed only in the ovaries from GS treated animals. Similarly, hypertrophy of luminal and glandular uterine epithelium were found only in the GS group. Collectively, these effects were probably due to the estrogenic effects of GS. In the semi-quantitative RT-PCR studies, the transcriptional activities of PR in both ovary and uterus from GS-treated group were significantly higher than those from the vehicle group. The present studies demonstrated that acute exposure to GS, at levels comparable to the ranges of human exposure, during the critical period of prepubertal stage activates the reproductive system resulting precocious puberty in immature female rats.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.95-101
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• 2003

Objective : To determine the clinical and bacteriologic efficacy and safety of Cefdinir in acute pharyngitis and pharyngotonsillitis caused by group A beta hemolytic streptococci in pediatric patients. Methods : Children aged 3 through 12 years who visited the hospitals enrolled in this study with signs and symptoms of pharyngitis or pharyngotonsillitis since May to December 2002, were taken throat culture and given Cefdinir(12 mg/kg/day, in three divided doses) for 7 days. Two hundred thirty five patients were enrolled and 90 patients who showed positive culture results were followed up for the signs and symptoms during the treatment to determine clinical efficacy. Follow-up culture were done at the end of the study and bacteriologic efficacy was determined Results : Ninety out of 235 patients who visited the hospitals with the signs and symptoms of pharyngitis showed positive growth on throat culture. Seventy nine patients were clinically and microbiologically assessable. The bacteriologic eradication rates of S. pyogenes were 100% in all the children treated with Cefdinir. Clinical cure rates were not different between less than 7 days-treated group(75%) and just 7 days-treated group(98.6%)(P=0.077). Two patients reported adverse reaction during Cefdinir treatment. Antimicrobial sensitivity of Cefdinir against S. pyogenes was 100% with range of MIC being less than 0.5 ${\mu}g/mL$. Conclusion : It seems that Cefdinir is one of reliable and well-tolerated drugs for the treatment of group A beta hemolytic streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis in children. It needs to be investigated short term efficacy in terms of improving drug compliance and impact of economic point of view. We can recognized that still high rate of the erythromycin resistant group A streptococci in our community should be monitored every year.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.76-82
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• 2009

Wheat is the most widely cultivated cereal and an important source of dietary protein worldwide. Wheat allergy, defined as an adverse immunologic reaction to wheat, encompasses a broad spectrum of disorders with different pathomechanisms and clinical manifestation. The Nuruk, a traditional Korean Koji for brewing, was made with wheat flour and fermenting microbes such as bacteria, yeast and mold. The strains grown on Nuruk secrete various enzymes as amylase and protease. By the activation of such enzymes, starch and proteins in Nuruk are hydrolyzed to sugar and amino acid. Therefore, it is supposed to reduce allergic proteins in wheat. To study quality properties and degradation degree of allergenicity in Nuruk by fermentation, we investigated the changes of general ingredients and allergenicity in Nuruk during fermentation. Moisture contents was decreased from 24.2% to 13.6% during fermentation. Crude lipid and protein contents were gradually increased during fermentation. After 15 days of fermentation, reducing sugar and total sugar contents were reached its maximum level, and they were 27.45% and 39.00%, respectively. Acid and neutral protease activity were significantly increased during fermentation, but alkaline protease activity was not detected. ${\alpha}$-amylase activity was gradually increased and showed maximum level about 2,833.00 U/g after 15 days of fermentation. Glucoamylase activity was the highest level about 497.9 U/g after 10 days of fermentation. The increase of these proteolytic and saccharogenic enzyme activities will provide efficient condition for production of rice wine. Also, protein fractions were isolated from Nuruk, and degradation of these proteins during fermentation were confirmed by SDS-PAGE. IgE immunoblotting using patient's sera with wheat allergy was performed to confirm allergenic protein in Nuruk. These results as fermentation of Nuruk will provide a useful tool for developing safer wheat products to prevent wheat allergy.