Sildenafil citrate (SIL) a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5I) has been used for long time as a first line oral drug for erectile dysfunction. Though it has beneficial effects on erectile organ it also has some adverse effects in other cells and/or tissues related to reproductive system when exposed to longer duration. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the long term effect of SIL on sperm parameters in Wistar albino rat. The animals are divided into two groups, for group I - rats were treated with saline (vehicle alone) and group - II oral administration of 5 mg/kg b.w. of SIL was administrated orally once in a day for 120 days. At the end of the trial period animals were sacrificed and epididymal sperm were subjected to various analysis. Results showed significant reduction in sperm count, motility, viability and morphologically intact sperm in long term PDE5I exposed animals when compared to control. Acrosomal status and fertility test also showed significant reduction in long term PDE5I exposed animals. The present study clearly indicated that long term SIL has shown to induce alteration in sperm quality and quantity, leading to decline in fertility rate. Indicate that SIL impinge on spermatogenesis as well as epididymal function. Understanding the molecular down-stream events involved in long-term exposure to PDE5 inhibitor can be valuable to supervise on related infertility issues and to suggest corrective measures.

현대인들은 가정생활과 직업환경 속에서 다양한 종류의 전자기파에 노출되며 전자기파 노출에 따른 생체위해성은 공중보건학적으로 중요한 이슈로 대두되었다. 현재까지 많은 체외 및 체내실험 결과에서 전자기파 노출이 세포대사, 내분비, 면역, 신경, 생식, 태아발달에 영향을 미치는 것으로 보고되었다. 세포나 개체 수준에서 시행된 실험연구에서는 전자기파 노출에 의해 세포내부 자유기의 증가, DNA 손상과 암발생, 발생기형, 생식기능 저하가 나타난다. 역학조사결과 전

The purpose of the study was to evaluation of the radiation dose reduction using various automatic exposure control (AEC) systems in different manufactures multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). We used three different manufacturers for the study: General Electric Healthcare, Philips Medical systems and Siemens Medical Solutions. The general scanning protocol was created for the each examination with the same scanning parameters as many as possible. In the various AEC systems, the evaluation of reduced-dose was evaluated by comparing to fixed mAs with using body phantom. Finally, when we applied to AEC for three manufacturers, the radiation dose reduction decreased each 35.3% in the GE, 58.2% in the Philips, and 48.6% in the Siemens. This applies to variety of the AEC systems which will be very useful to reduce the dose and to maintain the high quality.

본 연구의 목표는 일반적으로 사람들이 일상에서의 추위 노출 시간을 고려하여 단기간 추위노출과 지속적인 장기간의 추위 노출이 인지기능과 뇌의 신경세포생성과 신경전달물질에 미치는 영향을 규명하고자 하였다. 실험 방법으로 인지행동검사(Behavior test)와 면역조직화학법(Immunohistochemistry Method)을 실시하였다. 본 연구에서는 7주령(평균체중 250±10g) Sprague-Dawley 계열의 수컷 흰쥐(n=40)를 사용하여, 무선배치 방식으로 상온 대조군(n=10), 저온 3일군(n=10), 저온 5주군(n=10)으로 분류 하였다. 22℃(상대습도 40%)의 온도는 상온으로 설정 하였고, 4℃(상대습도 40%)는 추위 스트레스 환경으로 설정 하였다. 수동회피실험의 결과에 의하면, 추위 스트레스는 기억력의 감소를 가져왔다. 그러나 추위 스트레스에 의한 기억력 감소의 보상작용으로 신경전달 물질인 5-HT와 TPH의 증가가 나타나는 것을 면역조직화학법을 통해 해부시경학적으로 확인할 수 있었다. 그러나 보상작용에 의한 새로운 신경세포생성 증가가 기억력을 정상상태로 회복시키지는 못하였다.

This study was performed for the application of the exposure limit in work field and the relative noxious gas concentration was estimated by using a miniature ship. The noxious gas concentration about light and shade number distribution of measuring subject field was estimated by using floating visualization image from a miniature ship in a large wind tunnel. About the concentration estimation, the correlation of concentration distribution drawn from the existing experimental results was used, the estimation result satisfied LTEL standard.

This survey was conducted to develop an appropriate management for safety of children snacks. In this study, monitorings of food additives such as nine kinds of tar colors (tartrazine, sunset yellow FCF, brilliant blue FCF, indigo carmine, new coccine, amaranth, erythrosine, allura red and fast green FCF) which are sold at stationary store around the school, were performed. Eighty two samples (3 snacks, 71 candies, 4 chocolates and 4 beverages)were analyzed for tar colors. Results of risk assessment for tar colors were expressed as EDI (Estimated Daily Intake) comparing with ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake). The ratio of high risk group for tar color intake (95th) were 0-3.56%. The consumptions of tar colors from domestic and imported products for nine kinds of tar colors in candies were not significantly different. The results of this study indicated that each EDI of nine kinds of tar colors sold at stationary store around the school is much lower than each ADI in general. Consequently, the children snacks are thought to be safe for consumption.

In this study, we estimated nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentrations in microenvironments where residential indoor, residential outdoor, other indoors, and transportation using measured personal exposure and multiple linear regression analysis of time-weighted average model, and compared with measured NO₂ concentration in microenvironments. Measured residential indoor, outdoor and other indoor NO₂ concentration was 22.22±9.59 ppb, 23.64±9.62 ppb, and 22.07±13.90 ppb, respectively. NO₂ concentrations in residential indoor and outdoor, total outdoor, other indoor, and transportation by multiple regression analysis were significantly estimated as 20.48 ppb, 32.79 ppb, 24.35 ppb, and 28.82 ppb, respectively (p= 0.000). Measured and estimated NO₂ concentration were similar with each other, therefore NO₂ concentrations in each microenvironment were able to be estimated using time-weighted average model and personal exposure with multiple regression analysis.

This study assessed the health risk of trace elements in indoor children-facilities by multi-pathway measurements (Air, Dust, Wipe, Hand washing). The samples of indoor place were collected at various children's facilities (40 day-care houses, 42 child-care centers, 44 kindergartens, and 42 indoor playgrounds) in summer (Jul~Sep, 2007) and winter (Jan~Feb, 2008) periods, and analyzed by ICP-MS. The lifetime Excess Cancer Risks (ECRs) were estimated for carcinogen trace elements such as As, Cd, Cr and Ni. For carcinogens, the Excess Cancer Risk (ECR) was calculated by considering the process of deciding Cancer Potency Factor (CPF) and Age Dependent Adjust Factor (ADAF) of the data of adults. Both Hazard Quotients (HQs) and Hazard Index (HI) were estimated for the non-carcinogens and children sensitivity trace elements like Cd, Cu, and Cr. The average ECRs for young children were 1×10^-10~1×10^-6 (50%th percentile) level in all facilities. Non-carcinogens and Children's sensitivity materials did not exceed 1.0 (HQs, HI) for all subjects in all facilities. For trace elements their detection rates through multi-pathways were not high and their risk based on health risk assessment was also observed to be acceptable. In addition, through education on the risk of multi-pathway exposure of trace elements for managers of facilities as well as for users the risk control of exposure of children.

In recent, the ISO has suggested a new guideline by using an avoidance behavior of soil invertebrates for the use of screening tools in the evaluation of soil contamination. In this study, we used a collembolan, Paronychiurus kimi which is native to Korea, as a test species because of its ecological relevance to Korean soil. The objectives of this study were to evaluate whether the exposure time (24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h) and cadmium concentration (50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of dry soil) affect the avoidance behavior of P. kimi. Twenty collembolans were introduced to the center of the soil which divided into two sections; cadmium untreated soil was placed in one of the section, and the cadmium treated soil was placed in the opposite section. To minimize soil structural effect on the avoidance behavior, the both soils were compacted by applying unidirectional force to the soil surface. The avoidance behaviors of P. kimi were not significantly affected by cadmium concentrations after 24 and 48 h of exposure, but were significant after 72-120 h. There results showed that avoidance behavior appears to be a good endpoint for the use in evaluation of soil contamination with 72 h of exposure duration.

Indoor, outdoor, and personal nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) exposures were studied in a population of housewives. Daily Indoor and outdoor NO₂ concentrations were measured and compared with simultaneously personal exposures of 17 housewives for 7 consecutive days in 17 houses. In this study, indoor and outdoor NO₂ samples at home were collected only while the housewives were at home samples. Time activity patterns and house characteristics were used to determine the effects of these factors on personal exposure. Since housewives spent their times in indoor houses with mean of 78.3%, their NO₂ exposures were associated with indoor houses NO₂ levels (r= 0.89) rather than outdoor NO₂ level (r= 0.85). Contribution of indoor NO₂ concentration on personal exposure was estimated by 70.77% by using of mass balance model. The close association between measured indoor NO₂ concentrations and measured personal exposure and contribution of indoor NO₂ concentration suggests that measuring indoor concentrations of NO₂ in the home is sufficient to estimate personal exposure accurately.

본 연구는 절화 아이리스의 노화와 절화수명에 미치는 에틸렌의 영향과 이러한 에틸렌의 작용을 억제할 수 있는 STS 전처리의 효과에 대하여 알아보고자 수행하였다. 아이리스는 1mM STS 용액에 30분간 전처리한 후 0, 3mL·L−1 의 에틸렌에 24시간 노출시켰다. 봉오리 상태 에서 절화 아이리스의 절화수명은 STS 전처리후 에틸렌 에 노출된 것은 4.2일, 에틸렌에 노출되지 않았던 꽃은 4.6일 이었다. 반개화 상태에 수확한 아이리스의 절화수명 은 STS 전처리에서 길었다. 그러나 에틸렌 노출에 의해 서는 수명이 영향을 받지 않았다. 그러므로 절화 아이 리스는 외생 에틸렌에 민감하지 않음을 알 수 있었다. 봉 오리 상태에서 수확한 절화는 완전한 개화가 유도되지 않 고 노화가 일어나는 경우가 많으므로 어느 정도 개화가 진전된 꽃을 수확하는 것이 필요한 것으로 판단되었다.

Human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) were reported to play an important role in inflammatory reactions to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from P.gingivalis in the periodontal connective tissue. Although the biostimulatory effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, such as anti-inflammatory activity, have been reported, the pathological mechanism is not completely understood. This study examined the changes in the inflammatory cytokine profiles, which are produced after exposure to hyperbaric oxygen in P.gingivalis LPS-treated human gingival fibroblasts, and subsequently to examine the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway involved in cytokine production. Gingival fibroblasts with or without P.gingivalis LPS were exposed to hyperbaric oxygen, and the cytokine profiles in the supernatant were observed using a human inflammation antibody array. The expression of cyclooxyginase-2 (COX-2) protein, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), p38, and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) MAPK by western blot analysis, and the amount of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the supernatant by an enzyme-linked immunoassay were determined. COX-2 protein expression and PGE2productionwereincreasedsignificantlyintheP. gingivalis LPS-treated group, and were decreased by treating P. gingivalis LPS with hyperbaric oxygen. Treatment of P. gingivalis LPS in the gingival fibroblasts led an increase in the amount of pro-inflammatory-related cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 released, whereas hyperbaric oxygen inhibits the irrelease. Ananalysis of the MAPK signal transduction showed that hyperbaric oxygen induced a significant decrease in the level of P38 phosphorylation regardless of the presence or absence of LPS. In addition, hyperbaric oxygen promoted JNK phosphorylation, significantly in the presence of LPS. Hyperbaric oxygen can inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediate the MAPK signal pathway, and appears to be useful as an anti-inflammatory tool.

Domestic studies for identification of causality between children exposure to toxic chemicals, such as arsenic (As) and resulted hazardous effects were not implemented. This study was conducted to probabilistically estimate dietary As intake and health risk assessment for young children and all age-specific populations from the consumption of As-contaminated rice of Korea. Arsenic intakes for young children (1 to 6 years old) from As-contaminated rice were higher than other age-specific groups, based on a dose-per-body weight basis. Based on the current EPA cancer slope factor for As, estimated cancer risks (to the skin cancer) associated with dietary intake of As-contaminated rice for 1 to 2 years old group and 3 to years old group are 1.76 per 10,000 and 3.16 per 10,000, respectively, at the 50th percentile. Based on possible reference levels (0.005 mg/kg/day) for children, mean and 95th percentile value of HQ from rice for young children are very below 1.0, which is a regulatory limit of non-carcinogenic risks for human.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential exposure of chemicals from the working environment of nail shops and determine health-related symptoms from the nail shop workers by self-reporting questionnaire. A total of 54 nail shop workers from 15 different locations were asked to conduct a survey concerning their working environment. VOCs (including toluene and nine other substances) and aldehyde(including formaldehyde and four other substances) detected. We studied on the relationship between the environmental concentration of chemical substances and the self-reported symptoms of nail shop workers. There was a significant relationship between the neck pain and substances such as 2- propanol, benzene, toluene, n-buthylacetate, ethylbenzene, and xylene (p<0.01). Furthermore, symptoms in the nose irritation, neck irritation and recurrent coughs had significant relationship with benzene (p<0.05), whereas, toluene showed significant relationship with neck irritation and symptoms such as coughs and fatigue (p<0.05).

This study was performed to investigate the concentration of indoor aldehydes in children’s facilities. The samples were collected from various children's facilities (40 playrooms, 42 day-care centers, 44 kindergartens, and 42 indoor playgrounds) in summer (Jul~Sep, 2007), winter (Jan~Feb, 2008) and spring (Mar~Apr, 2008). The ratio of Indoor and outdoor (I/O) of aldehydes exceeds 1.0 and the formaldehyde levels in each child-care facilities were significantly different. We evaluated the lifetime cancer and non-cancer risk of young children due to indoor aldehyde exposure. We estimated the lifetime excess cancer risks (ECRs) of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and the hazard quotients (HQs) of non-carcinogens (benzaldehyde and formaldehyde). Formaldehyde was evaluated for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk. The average ECRs of formaldehyde for young children were 1×10^-4~1×10^-5 level in all facilities. HQs of four non-carcinogens did not exceed 1.0 for all subjects in all facilities.

콘크리트의 박리(scaling)는 수분의 존재하에 동결융해 싸이클에 따른 콘크리트의 점진적인 표면열화이다. 특히, 이것은 제설제에 염화물의 존재가 콘크리트 표면박리(스켈링)와 더불어 심한 경우, 굵은골재의 노출 및 탈리로 이어질 수 있다. 본 연구에서는 콘크리트의 스켈링에 대한 저염화물계 제설제(low chloride deicier, LCD)와 염화칼슘 및 염화나트륨 제설제의 상대적인 영향을 ASTM C672에 준하여 실시하였다. 시험 제설제의 농도는 1, 4, 10% 이고, 수돗물은 기준으로 사용하였다. 박리량은 중량으로 평가하였다. 연구결과 4% 농도를 적용하였을 때, 동결융해 56 싸이클 후 콘크리트의 박리는 수돗물에 비해 LCD 용액에서 약 9배, 염화칼슘 용액에서 약 18배, 염화나트륨 용액에서 약 33배 정도 크게 발생하였다. 용액의 농도에 따라서는 고농도인 10%에 비해 4% 농도에서 표면 박리가 가장 현저하게 발생하였는데, 이는 스켈링 발생이 염농도가 3~4%일 때 가장 현저해진다는 기존의 연구결과와 일치함을 알 수 있었다(일본콘크리트공학회, 1999). 또한 콘크리트가 경화된 후, 현장에서 염화나트륨 및 저염화물계 제설제(LCD, 염소이온 중량비 50%)가 살포되고 동결융해 싸이클에 노출된 경우, 제설제에 노출되지 않은 경우의 콘크리트 동해열화에 대해, 콘크리트의 공기량에 따른 영향을 실험적으로 연구하였다. 연구 결과 동결융해 싸이클에 따른 콘크리트 시편은 제설제에 노출되지 않은 것 보다 염화물 제설제 노출에서 스켈링이 더 심한 것으로 나타났고, 염화물 제설제에 노출된 시편이 노출되지 않은 시편 보다 중량 손실이 2배나 되었다. 콘크리트 시편의 상대 동탄성계수는 염화물 제설제에 노출되지 않은 것과 비교하여 염화물 제설제에 노출된 것에서 더 빠르게 감소하였다. 또한 염화나트륨 제설제에 노출된 콘크리트 시편의 상대 동탄성계수는 저염화물계 제설제에 노출된 것 보다 더 빠르게 감소하였다. AE 콘크리트는 염화물과 동결융해 싸이클에 노출되었을 때, Non-AE 콘크리트 보다 성능저하가 크게 지연되었다.

This study examined the effects of red light generated from a light emitting diode (LED) upon proliferation and mitochondrial stress in human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs). Cells were exposed to LED-generated red light at a clinically relevant intensity and distance with a 610-630 nm wavelength for various times (0-48 min). At different exposure times, cells were processed for the analysis of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, proliferation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and cytotoxicity. Cell cycle progression was also investigated by flow cytometry after staining with propidium iodide. Red light exposure was found to inhibit SDH activity and DNA synthesis in hGFs in a time-dependent manner. Light exposure also reduced the MMP levels in these cells and this was closely associated with a G0/G1 arrest. In contrast, exposure of hGFs to red light for 48 min led to a dramatic loss of MMP with an attendant increase in cytotoxicity. These findings demonstrate that LED-generated red light may cause mitochondrial stress and growth inhibition in hGFs during tooth whitening therapy, depending on the length of the exposure.