• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.25-32
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• 2005

Background and purpose: Arterial stiffness is an important, independent determinant of cardiovascular risk. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) has been used as a valuable index of arterial stiffness and as a surrogate marker for atherosclerosis. The Framingham risk score was developed using categorized risk factors to predict the 10 year absolute risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD). This algorithm is established using recommended guidelines for blood pressure, total cholesterol, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol in addition to age, smoking history and history of diabetes. Tongxinluo(TXL) has been shown to have anti hyperlipidemic activity and anti atherogenic effects. To determine its efficacy and safety, we examined whether TXL improves PWV, ABI, Framingham score, blood pressure, and lipid profile in high risk group of cardiovascular diseases. Subjects and methods: 49 subjects with the high risk of cardiovascular diseases were recruited. Subjects were administered TXL with the dose of 1110mg three times a day for 8 weeks. baPWV, ABI, Framingham risk score, Blood pressure and serum lipid profile were assessed at baseline and after 4 and 8weeks. Results: Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, total lipid and phospolipid significantly decreased after 4 weeks of medication. Total cholesterol, total lipid and phospolipid significantly decreased after 8 weeks of medication. There were no significant changes in Framingham risk scores, ABI, PWV and blood pressure. On safety assessment, there were no adverse effects, hepatic or renal toxicity. Conclusion: We suggest that TXL is a safe and useful herbal medicine for hyperlipidemia and as for anti-atherognic effects, further research would be necessary.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.126-137
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• 2023

In this study, we isolated lactic acid bacteria from Allium wakegi and examined the usability of culture supernatants obtained from these lactic acid bacteria. The antibacterial activity of the culture supernatant obtained from the isolated lactic acid bacteria against the pathogens Escherichia and Salmonella spp. was measured. The obtained lactic acid bacteria culture medium showed significant antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of pH and heat denaturation on the observed anti-pathogenic bacterial activity was also investigated. Adjusting the culture supernatant to pH 7 resulted in loss of all antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria, suggesting that the antibacterial activity of the obtained culture supernatant against pathogenic bacteria is influenced by organic acids. Assessment of the heat stability of the anti-pathogenic bacterial activity revealed that heat treatment did not diminish activity. The obtained lactic acid bacteria culture medium is thus stable against heat.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.104-120
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• 2023

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the therapeutic mechanism of acupuncture and bee venom acupuncture (BVA) in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) using positron emission tomography (PET) and arterial spin labeling (ASL). Methods: Patients with IPD who received a stable dose of anti-parkinsonian medication for at least 4 weeks were recruited and randomly divided into one of two groups: treatment and control. The treatment group (11 subjects) received acupuncture and BVA at acupoints, and the control group (9 subjects) received sham acupuncture and normal saline injections at non-acupoints, twice per week for 12 weeks. The patients were examined using PET and ASL at baseline and after the 12-week treatment. In addition, age- and sex-matched healthy subjects without neurological symptoms and history were recruited to compare ASL data of patients with IPD. Results: PET results revealed that striatal dopamine transporter binding increased in each group after 12 weeks. Although the change was larger in the treatment group, the difference was not statistically significant. In ASL results, the treatment group exhibited hyperperfusion in specific regions compared with the healthy control group. After 12 weeks' intervention, hyperperfusion regions were recovered only in the treatment group. In contrast, significant changes were not found in hyperperfusion regions in the control group after 12 weeks. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the therapeutic mechanisms of acupuncture and BVA in IPD are different from placebo and operate by altering dopamine availability and recovering hyperactivity in cerebral blood flow.

• Journal of Radiation Industry
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.43-52
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• 2024

Currently, there are no interim storage facilities and permanent disposal facilities in Korea, so all spent nuclear fuels are temporarily stored. However, the temporary storage facility is approaching saturation, and as a measure to this, the 2nd Basic Plan for the Management of High-Level Radioactive Waste presented an operation plan for dry interim storage facilities and dry temporary storage facilities on the NPP on-site. The dry storage can be operated in various ways, and to select the optimal dry storage method, the reduction of exposure for workers must be considered. Accordingly, it is necessary to develop a worker exposure scenario according to the dry storage method and evaluate and compare the radiological impact for each method. The purpose of this study is to develop an exposure scenario for workers transporting spent nuclear fuel by dry storage method. To this end, first, the operation procedure of the foreign commercial spent nuclear fuel dry storage system was analyzed based on the Final Safety Analysis Report (FSAR). 1) the concrete overpack-based system, 2) the metal overpack-based system, and 3) the vertical storage module-based system were selected for analysis. Factors were assumed that could affect the type of work (working distance, working hours, number of workers, etc.) during transportation work. Finally, the work type of the processes involved in transporting spent nuclear fuel by dry storage method was set, and an exposure scenario was developed accordingly. The concrete overpack method, the metal overpack method, and the vertical storage module method were classified into a total of 31, 9, and 23 processes, respectively. The work distance, work time, and number of workers for each process were set. The product of working hours and number of workers (Man-hour) was set high in the order of concrete overpack method, vertical storage module method, and metal overpack method, and short-range work (10 cm) was most often applied to the concrete overpack method. The results of this study are expected to be used as basic data for performing radiological comparisons of transport workers by dry storage method of spent nuclear fuel.

• 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.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.167-173
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• 2016

This study investigated the effects of green tea polyphenol and vitamin C on type 2 diabetes mellitus by administering polyphenon 60 (P60) and sodium ascorbate (SA) to diabetic rats induced by high fat diet/low-dose streptozotocin. The experimental group was divided into five different groups: non-diabetic control group (NC), diabetes control group (DC), diabetes+P60 group (DM+P60), diabetes+SA group (DM+SA), and diabetes+P60+SA group (DM+P60+SA). P60 and SA were dissolved in 0.1% drinking water. After P60 and SA were administered for 16 weeks, fasting blood glucose, plasma insulin, serum triglyceride, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels as well as kidney alkaline phosphatase (AP) and ${\gamma}$-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) activities were measured. Fasting blood glucose level increased 5-fold in the DC group compared to the NC group. In the DM+P60 group, fasting blood glucose level decreased by 14%. In the DM+P60+SA group, fasting blood glucose level decreased by 28% compared to the DC group, whereas the DM+SA group did not show any significant difference. The homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance index increased in the DC group and decreased in the DM+P60+SA group compared to the DC group. Serum creatinine level increased in the DC group, but decreased by 17% in the DM+P60 group and by 43% in the DM+P60+SA group compared to the DC group. The serum BUN level increased in the DC group, but decreased by 41% in the DM+P60+SA group compared to the DC group. Kidney GGT and AP activities decreased in the DC group compared to the NC group; however, they were reversed by DM+P60+SA group. These results show that combined administration of both green tea polyphenol and vitamin C had better effects on improving blood glucose level, insulin resistance, serum triglyceride level, and protecting kidneys than administration of either green tea polyphenol or vitamin C alone in the context of type 2 diabetes.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.265-271
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• 1997

Objective : A 4-week, single-blind, parallel group study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tofisopam and lorazepam in 32 outpatients with anxiety disorder. Methods : Patients were randomized to receive either tofisopam(N=17) or lorazepam(N=15). The starting dose of tofisopam was 50mg t.i.d. daily, which could be increased to a maximum of 100mg t.i.d. according to the patient's clinical response and side effect. The starting dose of lorazepam was 0.75mg b.i.d. daily, which could be increased to a maximum of 1.5mg b.i.d. depending on the patient's clinical response and side effect. Efficacy evaluations at baseline, week 1, 2, and 4 used the 14-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety(HAM-A) and Clinical Global Impression(CGI). Tolerability was assessed by response to a nonleading question concerning adverse events. Laboratory parameters including vital sign, EKG, hematological, and biochemical values were measured during trial. Results : No significant differences between HAM-A total scores, two HAM-A factors(psychic, somatic) and CGI severity scores were recorded at any point during tofisopam and lorazepam treatments. However, in each group there was a significant decrease in HAM-A total scores, two HAM-A factor s(psychic, somatic), CGI severity scores over time. The pecentages of patients with tofisopam who at least minimally improved increased from 64.7% at week 1 to 94.1% at week 4. The pecentages of patients with lorazepam who at least minimally improved increased from 40.0% at week 1 to 66.7% at week 4. The pecentages of patients with tofisopam who had not any adverse event increased from 58.8% at week 1 to 87.9% at week 4. The pecentages of patients with lorazepam who had not any adverse event were not changed from 46.7% at week 1 to 46.7% at week 4. Laboratory parameters including vital sign, EKG, hematological, and biochemical values showed no significant changes during the trial in both groups. Conclusion : These data suggest that tofisopam may be effective in reducing anxiety and is a anti-anxiety drug of identical potency with lorazepam. Tolerability of tofisopam was superior to lorazepam. These findings should be confirmed by using double-blind crossover study with a large member of patients.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.135-144
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study is that through production of phantom for respiration gated radiotherapy, assessing appropriacy of exposure dose for the therapy using RPM (Real-time Position Management). Materials and Methods: We located measurement object on the phantom for respiration gated radiotherapy made of 2 linear actuator, acrylic panel, stanchion, iron plate ets. to drive (up, down, front, back). Using 4D CT scan, we analyzed patient's respiration and reproduced the movement by computer. On the phantom, we located a 2D-Array (PTW) and an White water phantom (4.5 cm) and used DMLC (interval 2 cm) in the field size $10{\times}10\;cm$, then exposed 21EX X-ray 100 MU, in the case of phantom was (1) static (2) moving (3) gated using RPM respectively gantry $0^{\circ}$ and $90^{\circ}$ We measured with a 0.125 CC ionization chamber (PTW) on the phantom (7.5 cm) in the same condition. Results: Ionization chamber: There were within 0.3% of error with gating respiration and approximately 2% of error without gating in the same condition. 2D-Array: Gantry $90^{\circ}$, field size $10{\times}10\;cm$, using DMLC. There were within 3% of error with gating respiration and approximately 16% of error without gating. Conclusion: The phantom for respiration gated radiotherapy makes plans considering patient's movement, quantitative analysis of exposure dose and proper assessment therapy for IMRT patients using RPM possible.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.89-93
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• 2014

Purpose: We investigated the quantitative evaluation of PET/CT images for evaluation after treatment in the treatment of liver metastasis of cancer with $^{90}YSIR$-Sphere. Materials and Methods: Confirmed the correlation between the measured counts was expressed by setting a region of interest from the image and a measure of the dose calibrator to see a correlation diagram of an image in a PET of $^{90}Y$. A portion uptake coefficients between PET images were acquired for 20 minutes LIST mode in 15 patients treated for liver metastasis of cancer using $^{90}Y$ SIR-Spheres high, intermediate portion, a lower portion, three measuring the coefficient of the region of interest is divided into parts, we studied the conditions for proper image acquisition. Results: Coefficient of sites that set the region of interest of the PET image and the measured counts of $^{90}Yappears$ that there is a correlation diagram statistically, ($R^2=0.956$), correlation diagram from the PET image of $^{90}Yis$, PET coefficient the coefficients of all regions of interest were increased in proportion to the image acquisition time, partial ROI coefficients of the PET image is higher about 10 minutes on average, about 14 minutes on average, the central portion is lower part 19 minute average in, confirmed the equilibrium of the standard deviation. Conclusion: Using the isotope $^{90}Y$, it is suitable to obtain a PET image, to obtain the time of proper image, the evaluation of PET/CT images, using the $^{90}Y$ SIR-Spheres and that in the treatment of liver metastases of cancer, it is useful for assessing treatment.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.557-565
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• 2017

For our survey of insecticidal resistance of Palm thrips (Thrips palmi Karny), we established the discriminating time (DT) and concentration (DC) of nine insecticides, and we conducted a bioassay about seven local populations via leaf-dipping methods. The discriminating times of the recommended concentration (RC) were 24 h at emamectin benzoate EC and spinetoram SC, 48 h at chlorfenapyr EC, 72 h at spinosad SC, cyantraniliprole EC, acetamiprid WP, dinotefuran WG, imidacloprid WP and thiacloprid SC after treatment. The DC estimated the concentration which showed the difference within the mortalities of these local populations. The DCs were emamectin benzoate EC $0.013mg\;L^{-1}$ (RC, $10.8mg\;L^{-1}$), spinetoram SC $0.125mg\;L^{-1}$ (RC, $25.0mg\;L^{-1}$), chlorfenapyr EC $0.25mg\;L^{-1}$ (RC, $50.0mg\;L^{-1}$), spinosad SC $0.083mg\;L^{-1}$ (RC, $50.0mg\;L^{-1}$) and cyantraniliprole EC $5.0mg\;L^{-1}$ (RC, $50.0mg\;L^{-1}$), and DCs of neonicotinoids were their RCs, that is, acetamiprid WP (RC, $40.0mg\;L^{-1}$), dinotefuran WG (RC, $20.0mg\;L^{-1}$), imidacloprid WP(RC, $50.0mg\;L^{-1}$) and thiacloprid SC (RC, $50.0mg\;L^{-1}$). From our investigation into the resistance of the local populations with DT and DC application, the neonicotinoid insecticides have shown a high resistant level for all the local populations, and the other insecticides have demonstrated low or non-resistance. In the use of neonicotinoid insecticides to control Palm thrips, one must take caution. As a result, the establishment of DT and DC in the single dose bioassay method was helpful for surveying the insecticide response dynamics and the development of an insecticide resistance management strategy.