• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.525-528
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• 2001

This study was conducted to estimate the contents of heavy metals in some health foods available on Korean markets. The samples were digested with microwave system, then analyzed using GF-AAS for the contents of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As). The contents of mercury (Hg) were determined using a mercury analyzer. The average values of Hg, Pb, Cd and As in calcium (Ca) health foods were 0.007, 1.08, 0.02 and 0.48 mg/kg respectively. Those values in chitosan health foods were 0.001, 0.36, 0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg respectively. Those values in propolis health foods were 0.013, 4.96, 0.01 and 0.13 mg/kg, respectively. The health foods that contained cow bone powders had the highest lead contents. Based on the variation in lead contents of those products, it could be possible that they might be contaminated through raw materials and/or manufacuring process. Some propolis products were also very high in lead contents. There could be risks for some population, especially the aged who overtake those health foods, to have heavy intake of lead. Therefore, we established the lead standards of 3.0, 2.0 and 5.0mg/kg less than for Ca, chitosan and propolis health foods respectively, based on the Codex method.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.321-335
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• 2021

Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5 with a diameter less than 10 and 2.5 ㎛, respectively) can be absorbed by the human body and adversely affect human health. Although most of the PM monitoring are based on ground-based observations, they are limited to point-based measurement sites, which leads to uncertainty in PM estimation for regions without observation sites. It is possible to overcome their spatial limitation by using satellite data. In this study, we developed machine learning-based retrieval algorithm for ground-level PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations using aerosol parameters from Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI) satellite and various meteorological parameters from a numerical weather prediction model during January to December of 2019. Gradient Boosted Regression Trees (GBRT) and Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) were used to estimate PM concentrations. The model performances were examined for two types of feature sets-all input parameters (Feature set 1) and a subset of input parameters without meteorological and land-cover parameters (Feature set 2). Both models showed higher accuracy (about 10 % higher in R2) by using the Feature set 1 than the Feature set 2. The GBRT model using Feature set 1 was chosen as the final model for further analysis(PM10: R2 = 0.82, nRMSE = 34.9 %, PM2.5: R2 = 0.75, nRMSE = 35.6 %). The spatial distribution of the seasonal and annual-averaged PM concentrations was similar with in-situ observations, except for the northeastern part of China with bright surface reflectance. Their spatial distribution and seasonal changes were well matched with in-situ measurements.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.123-131
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• 2018

Purpose: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is mostly asymptomatic but can be detrimental to certain hosts. We investigated changes of CMV seroprevalence in Koreans before and after the year 2000. Methods: We reviewed laboratory values of patients who were tested for CMV immunoglobulin G (IgG) at Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, from January 1995 to December 2015. Changes in seroprevalence were analyzed by gender, age, region, and tested year period (period 1, 1995-2005 vs. period 2, 2006-2015). Results: Overall CMV seropositivity was 94.1% (10,900/11,584). There was no significant difference for CMV seropositivity among the two periods (94.2% vs. 94.1%) (P=0.862). CMV seropositivity in the 11 to 20-year age group in period 2 (78.8%) was significantly lower than that of period 1 (89.9%) (P=0.001). The seropositivity of individuals aged 31-40 years (97.4%) was significantly higher than that of younger age groups (P<0.001) and lower than that of older age groups (P<0.001). Of 2,441 females of reproductive age (from 15 to 49), CMV seropositivity was 97% (2,467/2,441). The seropositivity in women aged 20-24-years was higher than that of men in the same age group (97.6% vs. 85.6%, P=0.003). No significant difference was observed among different regions. Conclusions: Overall CMV seropositivity of Koreans was estimated to be 94% and the average seropositivity of reproductive women was 97%. Monitoring of the changes in seroprevalence including the reproductive age group is needed in the future.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.30-39
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• 2019

An analytical method was developed for the determination of sedaxane in agricultural products using liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The samples were extracted with acetonitrile and partitioned with dichloromethane to remove the interference, and then purified by using silica SPE cartridges to clean up. The analytes were quantified and confirmed by using LC-MS/MS in positive ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The matrix-matched calibration curves were linear over the calibration ranges ($0.001-0.25{\mu}g/mL$) into a blank extract with $r^2$>0.99. For validation, recovery tests were carried out at three different concentration levels (LOQ, 10LOQ, and 50LOQ, n=5) with five replicates performed at each level. The recoveries were ranged between 74.5 to 100.8% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of less than 12.1% for all analytes. All values were consistent with the criteria ranges requested in the Codex guidelines (CAC/GL 40, 2003) and Food Safety Evaluation Department guidelines (2016). The proposed analytical method was accurate, effective and sensitive for sedaxane determination in agricultural commodities.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.601-612
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• 2021

This study was conducted to evaluate the appropriate sowing method and mixture seeding rate on germination of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.). The experimental design includes two sowing methods and six mixed seeding per each method: BT₁:BP₀ (broadcast seeding; B, Trifolium repens; T, Poa pratensis; P), BT₁:BP₂, BT₁:BP₃, BT₃:BT₁, BT₂:BP₁, BT₀:BP₁ and ST₁:SP₀ (spot seeding; S), ST₁:SP₂, ST₁:SP₃, ST₃:ST₁, ST₂:SP₁, ST₀:SP₁. The germination was the highest for both species when the seeding rate was higher than other species. In overall, the germination of white clover was higher and faster than Kentucky bluegrass. Two plots, BT₂:BP₁, ST₁:ST₂, were retained the balanced proportion of the germination rate. Therefore, It was suggested, for maintaining the balanced field, it is better to seed white clover twice Kentucky bluegrass on broadcast seeding and Kentucky bluegrass twice white clover on spot seeding. In regard of sowing method, broadcast seeding is better than spot seeding in terms of increasing the germination. It is necessary to supplement the result for real application by long-term monitoring.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.135-142
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• 2023

The total arsenic and 6 arsenic species were investigated in 56 fish collagen products using ICP-MS (Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer) and HPLC-ICP-MS(High performance liquid chromatography-Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer). The mean concentrations of total arsenic and arsenic species were 40.103±81.133 ㎍/kg (N.D.~586.686) and 30.070±50.378 ㎍/kg (N.D.~313.871), respectively. The mean concentration of inorganic arsenic was 24.610±32.706 ㎍/kg (N.D.~129.331), and the As(V) (Arsenate) was the most dominant. The standards and specifications of arsenic have not been established for fish collagen products. Our study presents that arsenic levels are relatively safe compared with not only previous studies but also domestic and international standards. However, in one sample, the total arsenic concentration was 586.686 ㎍/kg, showing the inorganic was 8.119 ㎍/kg, and the DMA was 305.752 ㎍/kg, which was high than the Canadian standard for organic arsenic. In conclusion, it is necessary to monitor arsenic levels consistently and establish standards and specifications of arsenic in fish collagen products to assure consumer safety.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.112-122
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• 2023

We assessed the pesticide residues in the medicinal agricultural products distributed in Korea. Pesticide residues in 72 samples were analyzed using the QuECheRS method for 339 pesticides, using GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS. The pesticide residues were below the maximum residues limit (MRL) in 42 samples (58.3%); however, they exceeded the MRL in 5 samples (6.9%). These included 43 types of pesticides; 20 fungicides and 23 insecticides were detected 75 times and 58 times, respectively. Tebuconazole and carbendazim were the most detected fungicides, each 11 times. The levels of acetamiprid, cadusafos, chlorpyrifos, flubendiamide, fluopyram, and triazophos exceeded the MRL in Gogi berry, Omija, and Reishi mushroom. All of them were positive list system (PLS) items that lacked pesticide residue standards. Therefore, authorities should monitor the distributed medicinal agricultural products.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.72-82
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• 2024

This study aimed to develop a scientifically and systematically standardized xylooligosaccharide analytical method that can be applied to products with various formulations. The analysis method was conducted using HPLC with Cadenza C₁₈ column, involving pre-column derivatization with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazoline (PMP) and UV detection at 254 nm. The xylooligosaccharide content was analyzed by converting xylooligosaccharide into xylose through acid hydrolysis. The pre-treated methods were compared and evaluated by varying sonication time, acid hydrolysis time, and concentration. Optimal equipment conditions were achieved with a mobile phase consisting of 20 mM potassium phosphate buffer (pH 6)-acetonitrile (78:22, v/v) through isocratic elution at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min (254 nm). Furthermore, we validated the advanced standardized analysis method to support the suitability of the proposed analytical procedure such as specificity, linearity, detection limits (LOD), quantitative limits (LOQ), accuracy, and precision. The standardized analysis method is now in use for monitoring relevant health-functional food products available in the market. Our results have demonstrated that the standardized analysis method is expected to enhance the reliability of quality control for healthy functional foods containing xylooligosaccharide.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.221-230
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• 2024

Pesticide residues were monitored in dried red pepper and pepper powder samples purchased in Northern Gyeonggi-do and from domestic online markets. The QuEChERS method was used to prepare 88 samples. GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS were used to analyze 338 pesticide residues. In the study, pesticide residues were detected in 70 samples (79.5%), with residues exceeding the maximum residue limits (MRL) in 4 samples (4.5%). Pesticide levels exceeded the MRL in imported samples, with two samples of dried red pepper and two samples of pepper powder showing elevated levels. Among the 61 pesticides detected, tebuconazole, a fungicide was most frequently detected (52 times). Tricyclazole, which is used to control the main disease affecting rice, exceeding the MRL in 3 of 12 Vietnam-origin samples. Ethion exceeded the MRL in one Indian-origin sample. Both tricyclazole and ethion are banned for use in pepper products in Korea and are regulated under the positive list system (PLS). Conversely, pesticides detected in domestic samples were within the MRLs. Therefore, authorities should monitor pesticide residues in imported red pepper products.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.250-259
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• 2024

In this study, we investigated in pesticide residues and heavy metals in fermented liquor products (wine, beer, makgeolli). Targeted analysis of 400 pesticide residues in the sample was performed using the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction method, followed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and LC-MS/MS. The contents of heavy metals (Pb, Cd) were determined by ICP-MS using the microwave method. The mercury was measured using a mercury analyzer. From the analysis of 150 cases, 102 (68.0%) cases of fermented liquor were detected, and 35 pesticide residues (including metalaxyl, mandipropamid, azoxystrobin, and fenhexamid) were detected among the 400 pesticide residues tested. Pb, Cd, and Hg were tested in 150 samples. Lead was detected in 73 samples (48.7%), cadmium in 9 samples (6.0%), and mercury in 36 samples (24.0%). Exposure assessment was conducted to determine the safety of the detected pesticide residues and heavy metals. According to this assessment, the pesticide residues and heavy metals showed very low %ADI values (less than 1%).