• 생명과학회지
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.23-28
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• 2022

곤충에서 유래한 항균펩타이드 CopA3는 다양한 세포사멸 과정을 차단한다고 알려져 있다. 세균 톡신에 의한 상피세포 세포사멸이나 6-hydroxy dopamine이 야기하는 신경세포 세포사멸 모두를 차단한다. 연구자 등은 최근에 CopA3가 카스파제에 직접 결합하여 그들의 활성형-절단과정을 차단한다고 보고하였다. 하지만 강력한 CopA3의 항세포사멸 효능을 설명하기 위해서는 추가적인 규명이 필요한 실정이다. 본 연구에서는 세포사멸경로의 핵심억제인자인 survivin 발현에 미치는 CopA3의 영향을 확인하였다. 인간 대장상피세포(HT29)에 CopA3를 처리한 뒤 survivin 발현을 추적한 결과, survivin 단백질 양이 유의하게 증가함을 확인하였다. RT-PCR을 통해서 CopA3가 survivin 유전자의 전사를 증가시킴을 확인하였다. 그리고 CopA3 자극이 Sp1 발현을 증가시키는 사실과, Sp1 억제 물질인 tolfenamic acid 처리가 CopA3에 의한 survivin 증가를 차단한다는 결과들을 바탕으로 우리는 CopA3가 Sp1을 통해 survivin 발현을 유도한다는 최종 결론을 도출하였다. 한편 본 연구를 통해서 CopA3의 강력한 항세포사멸 효능을 설명할 수 있는 분자기작을 새롭게 제시하였다고 사려된다.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제47권1호
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• pp.81-88
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• 2023

Background: Air pollution has led to an increased exposure of all living organisms to fine dust. Therefore, research efforts are being made to devise preventive and therapeutic remedies against fine dust-induced chronic diseases. Methods: Research of the respiratory protective effects of KRG extract in a particulate matter (PM; aerodynamic diameter of <4 ㎛) plus diesel exhaust particle (DEP) (PM4+D)-induced airway inflammation model. Nitric oxide production, expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines, and IRAK-1, TAK-1, and MAPK pathways were examined in PM4-stimulated MH-S cells. BALB/c mice exposed to PM4+D mixture by intranasal tracheal injection three times a day for 12 days at 3 day intervals and KRGE were administered orally for 12 days. Histological of lung and trachea, and immune cell subtype analyses were performed. Expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung were measured. Immunohistofluorescence staining for IRAK-1 localization in lung were also evaluated. Results: KRGE inhibited the production of nitric oxide, the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines, and expression and phosphorylation of all downstream factors of NF-κB, including IRAK-1 and MAPK/AP1 pathway in PM4-stimulated MH-S cells. KRGE suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration and number of immune cells, histopathologic damage, and inflammatory symptoms in the BALF and lungs induced by PM4+D; these included increased alveolar wall thickness, accumulation of collagen fibers, and TNF-α, MIP2, CXCL-1, IL-1α, and IL-17 cytokine release. Moreover, PM4 participates induce alveolar macrophage death and interleukin-1α release by associating with IRAK-1 localization was also potently inhibited by KRGE in the lungs of PM4+D-induced airway inflammation model. KRGE suppresses airway inflammatory responses, including granulocyte infiltration into the airway, by regulating the expression of chemokines and inflammatory cytokines via inhibition of IRAK-1 and MAPK pathway. Conclusion: Our results indicate the potential of KRGE to serve as an effective therapeutic agent against airway inflammation and respiratory diseases.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제48권6호
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• pp.306-314
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• 2022

Background: Due to the rapid aging of the South Korean population, neurological diseases such as dementia are increasing. Many studies have reported that the incidence of dementia is associated with environmental factors along with age. Objectives: This study analyzed the association between cognitive function and ten heavy metals in the body: arsenic, aluminum, chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, iron, copper, zinc, and lead. Methods: From 2018 to 2019, a total of 120 participants who suffered from cognitive impairment were recruited for this study. Blood and urine samples were collected and analyzed for heavy metal concentrations using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Demographic information was obtained through face-to-face questionnaires completed by a trained investigator. Cognitive function was evaluated with the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Korean version of the Boston Name Waiting Test. The associations between cognitive function scores and heavy metal concentrations were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The average age of the 120 participants was 72.7 years, and 69.2% were female. The mean of the MMSE-K and K-BNT scores were 22.9 and 37.9, respectively. The geometric mean of aluminum (Al) was 8.42 ㎍/L. MMSE-K was associated with iron (Fe), but the significance was removed in the logistic regression based on 24 points. K-BNT was significantly associated with aluminum and the odds ratio for K-BNT above 38 decreased by 45% as the aluminum concentration increased. Conclusions: The association between aluminum and the K-BNT score indicated that aluminum is associated with language-related cognitive decline. Based on this result, further study will be conducted by considering co-exposure effects of heavy metals including aluminum.

• 한국지리정보학회지
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• 제26권1호
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• pp.89-113
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• 2023

본 연구는 폭염 취약지역을 도출하고, 폭염 피해와의 공간적 일치성 분석을 통해 공간 유형화 및 정책적 방향성에 대해 논의하고자 한다. 연구 방법은 IPCC의 기후변화 취약성 평가와 공간통계 비교분석을 활용하였으며, 폭염이 가장 극심했던 2018년을 포함하는 5개년(2015~2019)의 전국 시군구를 대상으로 하였다. 폭염 취약성은 다양한 요소 중 폭염 영향을 나타내는 폭염일수(노출)가 가장 큰 영향을 미치고 있었으며, 폭염에 대한 민감도와 적응 능력은 지역의 특성에 따라 경향성이 나타나는 것으로 확인되었다. 폭염 취약성과 피해의 관계는 공간적 일치성을 통해 4개 유형으로 구분하였으며, 취약성과 피해가 정의 관계를 가지는 Hot to Hot, Cold to Cold 유형과 역의 관계를 가지는 Hot to Cold, Cold to Hot 유형을 도출하였다. 이는 유형별로 지역의 특성과 현황이 상이하므로 유형에 따라 개선을 위한 정책과 연구의 방향성을 달리 설정해야 한다는 시사점을 남긴다. 해당 연구는 폭염 취약성과 피해를 함께 고려하여 지역을 유형화하고, 유형별 대응 방향성에 대해 살펴본 점에서 추후 폭염 관련 정책 수립에 기초자료로 활용되기를 기대한다.

• 한국항해항만학회지
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• 제47권1호
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• pp.37-48
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• 2023

최근 국제 교역량 증가에 따른 물동량 폭증은 항만하역업 내 위험 노출 및 안전사고 증가로 이어지고 있다. 그리고 2021년 1월부터 중대재해처벌법이 시행되면서 항만하역업 내 안전을 중요시하고 생명을 보호하는 각종 지침과 법안들이 제정되고 있다. 하지만, 이러한 노력에도 불구하고 항만하역업 내 중대형 안전사고는 지속적으로 발생하고 있다. 한국산업안전보건공단에 따르면 2016년부터 2019년 4년 동안 항만하역업 내 재해자수는 연평균 4.2%씩 증가하였다. 항만하역업 사고의 효율적인 사후관리나 안전 관련 법/제도를 마련하기 위해서는 사고 원인과 피해를 고려한 위험도 분석이 진행되어야 현실적인 사고 저감방안 및 방지대책을 수립할 수 있다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 5년간 한국산업안전보건공단에서 집계된 항만하역업 사고사례 1,039건을 바탕으로 위험성 평가를 진행하여 항만하역업 내 주요 위험요인 및 예방대책을 도출하였다. 이후 IPA분석과 Borich 요구도 분석, The Locus for Focus 분석을 진행하여 예방대책에 대한 우선순위를 결정하였다.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제48권1호
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• pp.1-8
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to reveal the circumstances under which the cases of harm to health caused by humidifier disinfectant were neglected and show the points where the number of victims and the degree of damage could have been reduced. In addition, it attempts to describe how damage management proceeded immediately after the incident and actually exacerbated the damage. Finally, it explores the unfortunate aspects of the recent trial. By doing so, it attempts to take this as an opportunity to consider whether a tragic event such as the humidifier disinfectant incident could occur in the future. Methods: This study collected and analyzed data on chemical material characteristics related to humidifier disinfectants, data on health effect characteristics, data on related laws and regulations from the Ministry of Environment, data related to the damage investigation by the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute, and current contents. Results: The lack of related systems and laws is the area where the greatest responsibility for the cause of the humidifier disinfectant disaster falls, so it is difficult for the government to escape this responsibility. Establishing a dedicated department to identify the prevalence of certain diseases within the functions of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service to monitor health can greatly contribute to the prevention and management of diseases through early detection and management of group outbreaks caused by harmful factors. Humidifier disinfectant damage relief should have been expanded earlier beyond HDLI (humidifier disinfectant lung injury) to include non-specific diseases such as asthma, pneumonia, and interstitial pneumonia. The scope of relief benefits should have also been expanded earlier to include the payment of disability benefits. Fortunately, with the 2020 revision of the Special Act, the conditions for estimating causal relations were eased and individual screening systems such as health impact assessment were reorganized along with the introduction of a rapid screening system. Conclusions: The management system for chemical substances in a country is clearly of paramount importance, and the ministry in charge must have a response system in case of damage to health effects. Administration that looks at the victims' situation from their point of view is needed, and technical countermeasures are required to quickly recognize the prevalence of certain diseases.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제33권2호
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• pp.230-246
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• 2023

Objectives: The climate crisis has arrived and heat-related illnesses are increasing. It is necessary to discover new high-heat risk industries and understand the environment . It is also necessary to prioritize risks of industries that have not been included in the management target to date. The study was intended to monitor and evaluate the thermal risk of high-priority workplaces. Methods: A prioritization method was developed based on five factors: occurrence of and death due to heat-related illnesses, work environment monitoring, indoor work rate, small heat source, and limited heat dissipation. it, was applied to industrial accidents caused by heat-related illnesses. Wet bulb temperature index and apparent temperature were measured in July and August at 24 workplaces in seven industries and assessed for thermal risk. Results: The wet bulb temperature index was in the range of 23.8~31.9℃, and exposure limits were exceeded in the growing of crops, food services activities and accommodation, and building construction. The apparent temperature was in the range of 26.8~36.7℃, and exceeded the temperature standard for issuing heatwave warnings in growing of crops, food services activities and accommodation, warehousing, welding, and building construction. Both temperature index in growing of crops and building construction were higher than the outside air temperature. Conclusions: In the workplace, risks in industries that have not be controlled and recognized through existing systems was identified. it is necessary to provide break times according to the work-rest time ratio required during dangerous time period.

• 한국항해항만학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국항해항만학회 2022년도 춘계학술대회
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• pp.389-390
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• 2022

최근 국제 교역량 증가와 비대면 사회 기조에 따른 물동량 폭증은 항만산업 내 위험 노출 및 안전사고 증가로 이어지고 있다. 이와 함께 2021년 1월 27일부터 중대재해처벌법이 시행되면서 항만터미널 내 안전 및 생명을 보호하는 각종 지침과 법안들이 제정되고 있다. 하지만, 이러한 노력에도 불구하고 항만터미널산업 내 중대형 안전사고가 지속적으로 발생하고 있다. 한국산업안전보건공단에 따르면 2016년부터 2019년 동안 항만하역업의 재해자수는 4.2%씩 증가하였다. 항만 사고의 효율적인 사후관리나 관련 안전 법/제도의 마련을 위해서는 일차적으로 사고 원인과 피해를 고려한 위험도 분석이 진행되어야 현실적인 사고 저감방안과 방지대책을 수립할 수 있다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 2016년부터 2022년까지 5년간 한국산업안전보건공단에서 집계된 항만터미널 사고사례 1,039건을 바탕으로 위험성 평가를 진행하여 주요 위험요인 및 예방대책을 도출하였다. 이후 IPA분석과 Borich 요구도 분석, The Locus for Focus 분석을 통해 예방대책에 대한 우선순위를 결정하였다.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제49권6호
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• pp.334-343
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• 2023

Background: South Korea's Act on Registration and Evaluation, etc. of Chemicals (known as K-REACH) was established to protect public health and the environment from hazardous chemicals. 4,4'-Methylenedianiline (MDA), which is used as a major intermediate in industrial polymer production and as a vulcanizing agent in South Korea, is classified as a toxic substance under the K-REACH act. Although MDA poses potential ecological risks due to industrial emissions and hazards to aquatic ecosystems, no ecological risk assessment has been conducted. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the ecological risk of MDA by identifying the actual exposure status based on the K-REACH act. Methods: Various toxicity data were collected to establish predicted no effect concentrations (PNECs) for water, sediment, and soil. Using the SimpleBox Korea v2.0 model with domestic release statistical data and EU emission factors, predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) were derived for ten sites, each referring to an MDA-using company. Hazard quotient (HQ) was calculated by ratio of the PECs and PNECs to characterize the ecological risk posed by MDA. To validate the results of modeling-based assessment, concentration of MDA was measured using in-site freshwater samples (two to three samples per site). Results: PNECs for water, sediment, and soil were 0.000525 mg/L, 4.36 mg/kg dw, and 0.1 mg/kg dw, respectively. HQ for surface water and sediment at several company sites exceeded 1 due to modeling data showing markedly high PEC in each environmental compartment. However, in the results of validation using in-site surface water samples, MDA was not detected. Conclusions: Through an ecological risk assessment conducted in accordance with the K-REACH act, the risk level of MDA emitted into the environmental compartments in South Korea was found to be low.

• 화약ㆍ발파
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.62-72
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• 2023

1970년대 산업화에 따른 플랜트 구조물이 노후화됨에 따라 구조적 기능을 상실해 발파 해체 공법을 활용한 해체 철거 수요가 증가하고 있다. 발파 해체공법은 기계식 해체공법에 비해 해체 공기가 짧아 환경공해 발생 노출 시간을 최소화할 수 있지만 잘못된 발파 설계 및 시공 계획에 따른 붕괴거동의 실패는 안전성에 매우 큰 위험을 유발한다. 따라서 붕괴거동 모사를 통해 최적의 발파 해체 조건과 이에 따른 영향을 고려하는 것이 중요하다. 본 연구에서는 Finite element method (FEM)와 Discrete element method (DEM)의 장점을 활용해 구축된 3-D Combined finite discrete element method (FDEM) 코드 기반 3-D DFPA 를 적용해 (구)서천화력발전소의 연돌 구조물에 대한 해체 모사를 수행하였으며 실제 구조물의 연돌 구조물 발파해체의 붕괴거동과 비교 분석하였다. 수치 모사 결과, 실제 구조물과 붕괴 거동 및 붕괴 완료 시간이 동일하게 나타났다. 또한, 발파구간 개구부 상부에 위치한 후드부의 크기가 연돌의 붕괴거동에 미치는 영향을 분석하기 위해 후드부의 면적을 조정하여 해체 모사를 수행하고 균열 발생 양상 및 z-방향 변위 곡선을 통해 비교 분석하였다. 분석 결과, 후드부의 면적이 증가함에 따라 하중을 지지하는 면적이 줄어들고 그에 따른 균열 발생 증가 및 전도 시간 감소를 확인하였다.