Consequence assessment of hypothetical urban radiological dispersal device incident in Korea.

Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDDs) are designed to disperse radioactive material over a wide area, leading to significant consequences to the environment and public health. This paper discusses the radiological effects of a potential RDD detonation containing 137Cs and 241Am in the commercial area of Busan, South Korea. The assessment, conducted with HotSpot Health Physics and RESRAD-RDD codes, found that summer had the most significant impact, with a maximum total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) of 280 mSv at 100 m and this decreased to 1 mSv at 4.5 km from the detonation point within the time interval of 35 min.

Emissions from ships' activities in the anchorage zone: A potential source of sub-micron aerosols in port areas.

Busan Port is among the world's top ten most air-polluted ports, but the role of the anchorage zone as a significant contributor to pollution has not been studied. To assess the emission characteristics of sub-micron aerosols, a high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) was deployed in Busan, South Korea from September 10 to October 6, 2020. The concentration of all AMS-identified species and black carbon were highest when the winds came from the anchorage zone (11.9 µg·m-3) and lowest with winds from the open ocean (6.64 µg·m-3). The positive matrix factorization model identified one hydrocarbon-like organic aerosol (HOA) and two oxygenated organic aerosol (OOA) sources. HOAs were highest with winds from Busan Port, while oxidized OOAs were predominant with winds from the anchorage zone (less oxidized) and the open ocean (more oxidized). We calculated the emissions from the anchorage zone using ship activity data and compared them to the total emissions from Busan Port. Our results suggest that emissions from ship activities in the anchorage zone should be considered a significant source of pollution in the Busan Port area, especially given the substantial contributions of gaseous emissions (NOx: 8.78%; volatile organic compounds: 7.52%) and their oxidized moieties as secondary aerosols.

Characteristics of Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients in Busan, Republic of Korea.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to improve the clinical course of patients through rapid response by analyzing the characteristics of critically ill patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Busan between December 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. METHODS: We divided patients diagnosed with COVID-19 into mild-to-moderate and critical groups based on their clinical severity. The critically ill patients were further sub-divided into delta and delta variant non-epidemic group. RESULTS: The following factors were significantly more frequent in critically ill patients than in patients with mild-tomoderate symptoms: male sex, age ≥60 years, symptoms at the time of diagnosis, and those with underlying diseases. The following factors were significantly more common in the non-delta variant epidemic group than in the delta variant epidemic group in critically ill patients: male sex, age ≥60 years, underlying diseases, and not being vaccinated. In the delta variant epidemic group, the duration between confirmation of disease and its progression to critically ill status was significantly shorter than that in the non-delta variant epidemic group. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 is characterized by the emergence of new variants and repeated epidemics. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the characteristics of critically ill patients to efficiently distribute and manage medical resources.

Successful treatment of propofol-related infusion syndrome in critically ill patient receiving low-dose propofol infusion: a case report.

Propofol is widely used to sedate agitated patients in intensive care units. However, it can cause a rare but fatal complication, propofol-related infusion syndrome (PRIS). The pathophysiology of PRIS is not clear, and there is no definitive diagnosis and treatment. We report a successfully treated case of PRIS in a critically ill patient receiving low-dose propofol infusion. A 59-year-old male patient complaining of sudden chest pain repeatedly collapsed in an ambulance and the emergency room, and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was delivered. He was diagnosed with a total occluded left anterior descending coronary artery in coronary angiography. On day 20, he showed arrhythmia, increased creatinine kinase (CK), and increased CK-MB and troponin I, accompanied by unstable hemodynamic status despite high-dose vasopressors. He was administered propofol for 20 days at an average dose of 1.3 mg/kg/hr owing to issues with agitation and ventilator synchrony. We strongly suspected PRIS and immediately discontinued propofol infusion, and he was successfully treated with aggressive supportive care. PRIS can occur in patients administered propofol for a prolonged period at low doses. Thus, clinicians should use propofol with caution for PRIS and change to alternative sedatives for long-term sedation.

Source identification and implications of heavy metals in urban roads for the coastal pollution in a beach town, Busan, Korea.

Heavy metals in the sediments of urban roads (RDS), storm drains (SDS), and marine areas (MS) were investigated to assess road pollution in a beach town adjacent to the coast in Busan and identify their relationships with the marine environment. RDS were considerably polluted with Zn, Cu, Cr, and Pb, with mean concentrations of 1090, 178, 171, and 199 mg/kg, respectively. MS were severely contaminated with Zn and Cu, exceeding the effects range median (ERM; Cu = 270, Zn = 410 mg/kg). PCA and HCA identified tire and brake wear in RDS as the major sources of Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cd, and that high levels of Zn, Cu, and Pb in RDS originating from traffic activities contaminated MS through the urban storm drain system. The results suggested that traffic-originated metals in RDS are potential pollutants in coastal environments, and further studies on their fate and management should be conducted.

Tree Pollen Sensitization and Cross-Reaction of Children with Allergic Rhinitis or Asthma / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

OBJECTIVES: Tree pollen causes allergic rhinitis and asthma. We investigated children who diagnosed as rhinitis or asthma, living in Busan, for tree allergen sensitization, component allergen, oral allergy syndrome, and the relationship between pollen counts and allergen sensitization.METHODS: Pollen were collected in Busan, from January 1 to December 31, 2017, using a Rotorod sampler and enumerated using a microscope. We conducted a study of children with rhinitis or asthma at Busan St. Mary's Hospital in 2017, administered an ISAAC questionnaire, and an oral allergy syndrome survey. Serum specific Ig E tests were performed.RESULTS: Among the 57 patients, the mean age was 9.3 years. The pollen counts in decreasing order were as follows: pine, alder, oak, juniper, beech, ginkgo, and birch. For sensitization, birch and alder 35.1%, Japanese cedar 19.3%, juniper 17.5%, pine 10.5%, and Japanese cypress 8.2%. The component Ig E was tested in 27 patients. Bet v 1 had a high correlation with birch, alder, and peach. Bet v 2 showed a statistically significant correlation with all tree pollen except cypress. Bet v 4 did not have any apparent correlation. Bet v 6 had the same pattern as Bet v 2, but correlation coefficient was higher than that of Bet v 2. Oral allergy syndrome was noted in 7 patients, including peach, peanut, apple, tomato, kiwi, and sesame.CONCLUSIONS: Alder and juniper are clinically important tree pollens in Busan. These pollens cause sensitization to birch and Japanese cedar by cross-reaction.

Physical and biological control of aragonite saturation in the coastal waters of southern South Korea under the influence of freshwater.

We investigated the aragonite saturation state (Ωarag) during all four seasons in a coastal region of southern Korea that receives considerable freshwater input. The surface Ωarag values were higher during productive seasons with enhanced freshwater influences, likely due to an increased net removal of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) from the water column (i.e., biological control). In addition, during the productive seasons, enhancement of Ωarag was observed with decreasing salinity within a linear mixing zone present between river-influenced surface and saltier bottom waters. DIC appeared to be effectively sequestered from the warmer, less salty surface water by downward flux of organic matter, but not significantly affected by the relatively DIC-rich, cooler and saltier bottom waters under strong stratification conditions during these seasons (i.e., physical control). Low phytoplankton productivity and seasonal breakdown of the stratification caused reduced saturation in other seasons and made the study area a weak sink for atmospheric CO2.

Susceptibility of seagrass to oil spills: A case study with eelgrass, Zostera marina in San Francisco Bay, USA.

Existing literature illustrates inconsistent responses of seagrasses to oil exposure, both in the field and in the laboratory. Here, we add a new study that combined morphometric, demographic and photophysiology assessments to determine the potential oiling impacts to eelgrass (Zostera marina) from the 2007 Cosco Busan event in San Francisco Bay. Shoot densities, reproductive status, and rhizome elongation of Z. marina were examined at sites with pre-spill data, and eelgrass photosynthetic efficiency was measured post-spill. Shoot densities and percent elongation of rhizome internodes formed after the oil spill varied but with no consistent relationship to adjacent shoreline cleanup assessment team (SCAT) oiling categories. Similarly, differences in seagrass photosynthetic efficiency were not consistent with SCAT oiling categories. While thresholds for negative impacts on seagrass in general remain to be defined, conclusive oiling indicators for degree and duration of exposure would be important considerations and need examination under controlled study.

Negligible Egg Positive Rate of Enterobius vermicularis and No Detection of Head Lice among Orphanage Children in Busan and Ulsan, Korea (2014).

To determine whether pinworm infections and head lice infestations spread among children in orphanages, 117 children from 4 orphanages in Busan-si and Ulsan-si, Korea, were examined for enterobiasis and head lice infestation between January and February 2014. The overall rate of Enterobius vermicularis egg positivity was 0.85%, whereas none of the children had head lice infestations. The rate of pinworm infection was much lower among the orphanage children compared to the rates observed in previous studies among kindergarten and primary school students. Moreover, the risk factors for enterobiasis were less frequent among these subjects than previously reported. The personal hygiene and health of the orphanage children were supervised by a regular, employed nurse through a health education program. In conclusion, pinworm infection was efficiently controlled among the children in orphanages, and this might be related to good personal hygiene practices in Korea.

Negligible Egg Positive Rate of Enterobius vermicularis and No Detection of Head Lice among Orphanage Children in Busan and Ulsan, Korea (2014)

To determine whether pinworm infections and head lice infestations spread among children in orphanages, 117 children from 4 orphanages in Busan-si and Ulsan-si, Korea, were examined for enterobiasis and head lice infestation between January and February 2014. The overall rate of Enterobius vermicularis egg positivity was 0.85%, whereas none of the children had head lice infestations. The rate of pinworm infection was much lower among the orphanage children compared to the rates observed in previous studies among kindergarten and primary school students. Moreover, the risk factors for enterobiasis were less frequent among these subjects than previously reported. The personal hygiene and health of the orphanage children were supervised by a regular, employed nurse through a health education program. In conclusion, pinworm infection was efficiently controlled among the children in orphanages, and this might be related to good personal hygiene practices in Korea.

A Survey to Understand Acne Patients in Busan / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a common dermatologic disease that can largely affect psychosocial aspects of the patient. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to survey the perception of acne vulgaris, including the cause of acne vulgaris, and patient attitude towards the disease, as well as preference for treatment methods in Busan. METHODS: A total of 170 patients with acne vulgaris, seeking treatment at 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-grade hospitals in Busan, were surveyed by questionnaire. Patient informed consent was obtained. RESULTS: With regards to the cause of acne, increased sebum secretion was the most selected answer, followed by stress and eating habits. Most of the patients believed that all of the acne treatment modalities were effective; however, negative recognition about the safety and durability of each treatment was also reported by a majority of the patients. Acne extraction and laser therapy were the most preferred treatment methods, and the most important reason to choose the treatment method was effectiveness. CONCLUSION: In this study, we could recognize a patients' overall perception about acne vulgaris. It is suggested that dermatologists should try not only to help patients gain a better understanding about acne but also to cope with their demands.

A Survey to Understand Acne Patients in Busan / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a common dermatologic disease that can largely affect psychosocial aspects of the patient. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to survey the perception of acne vulgaris, including the cause of acne vulgaris, and patient attitude towards the disease, as well as preference for treatment methods in Busan. METHODS: A total of 170 patients with acne vulgaris, seeking treatment at 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-grade hospitals in Busan, were surveyed by questionnaire. Patient informed consent was obtained. RESULTS: With regards to the cause of acne, increased sebum secretion was the most selected answer, followed by stress and eating habits. Most of the patients believed that all of the acne treatment modalities were effective; however, negative recognition about the safety and durability of each treatment was also reported by a majority of the patients. Acne extraction and laser therapy were the most preferred treatment methods, and the most important reason to choose the treatment method was effectiveness. CONCLUSION: In this study, we could recognize a patients' overall perception about acne vulgaris. It is suggested that dermatologists should try not only to help patients gain a better understanding about acne but also to cope with their demands.

The relationships between sixteen perfluorinated compound concentrations in blood serum and food, and other parameters, in the general population of South Korea with proportionate stratified sampling method.

Serum samples were collected from volunteers of various ages and both genders using a proportionate stratified sampling method, to assess the exposure of the general population in Busan, South Korea to perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). 16 PFCs were investigated in serum samples from 306 adults (124 males and 182 females) and one day composite diet samples (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) from 20 of the serum donors, to investigate the relationship between food and serum PFC concentrations. Perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid were the dominant PFCs in the serum samples, with mean concentrations of 8.4 and 13 ng/mL, respectively. Perfluorotridecanoic acid was the dominant PFC in the composite food samples, ranging from

The correlation between allergy sensitization rate in pediatric and aerobiological study for airborne pollen in Busan for 15 years

PURPOSE: Airborne pollen is the most common causative agents of allergic disease. Since 2000, there isn't no more report about airborne pollen in Busan. This study is that pollen in one area of Busan was collected to investigate species, particle counts, seasonal distribution, and of its correlation with reactivity to skin prick test in children during 1998-2012. METHODS: Rotorod sampler was installed on the rooftop of St. Mary Hospital in Busan. A 24-hour sampling of airborne allergens over a fifteen-year period was conducted 6 days/wk from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2012. After staining they were identified, counted and recorded with the weather in Busan. RESULTS: Major pollens collected were Pine, Alder, Oak, Juniperus, Humulus. The pollen season is relatively short and the pollen dispersed mainly during the period from March to May in case of tree pollen, from April to September in case of grass pollen and from August to October in case of weed pollen. Total annual pollen count ranged from 36,412 grains/m3 (2002) to 1,342 grains/m3 (2006). The peak pollen season was seen for spring and autumn, especially in May and September during 1998-2012. In skin prick tests, birch was the highest sensitization rate (15.1%), followed by alder (14.7%), hazel (14.1%) in the tree for 15 years. And in weed, mugwort and ragweed were the highest sensitization rate (10.6%, 10.3%), followed by humulus (5.5%) for 15 years, but since 2008, was increased. CONCLUSION: Analysis of pollens sampled in the atmosphere of Busan, Korea, for a 15-year period identified 24 species of pollens with seasonal variation of some clinically important pollen load. Analysis of data, it showed that alder and birch are main allergen in spring for 15 years, and in 1998-2008, ragweed and artemisia was main allergen in fall, since 2009, followed by humulus.

A Clinical and Statistical Study of Cutaneous Malignant Tumors in Busan City and the Eastern Gyeongnam Province Over 15 Years (1996~2010) / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: The incidence of cutaneous malignant tumors, especially basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and malignant melanoma (MM), has continuously increased in Korea. However, there has been little research into the distribution and incidence of malignant skin tumors in the south-eastern part of Korea. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze recent trends in incidence and clinical patterns of cutaneous malignant tumors in Busan city and the eastern Gyeongnam Province. METHODS: We reviewed 714 cases of cutaneous malignant tumors that include BCC, SCC, and MM from January 1996 to December 2010 at the Department of Dermatology in Dong-A University Hospital. RESULTS: The average annual incidence of cutaneous malignant tumors among the total number of outpatients was 1.18% and has continuously increased from 0.63% to 1.91% over the last 15 years (1996~2010). In particular, the average annual incidence of BCC and SCC has markedly increased from 0.35% and 0.25% to 0.94% and 0.79%, respectively. The most common cutaneous malignant tumor was BCC (48.32%), followed by SCC (41.18%) and MM (10.50%). The mean age of onset in patients who had been diagnosed with cutaneous malignant tumors was 65.07 years (males: 62.04, females: 67.87). There was a similar incidence between males and females in cutaneous malignant tumors (1:1.08). The most common site of cutaneous malignant tumors was the face (66.25%); the cheek (34.04%) was the most preferential site on the face, followed by the nose (30.23%). CONCLUSION: The incidence of cutaneous malignant tumors has gradually increased in Busan city and the eastern Gyeongnam Province, which was relatively higher than the incidence in other areas. It was thought to be due to the higher proportion of the elderly than in other areas of the country and skin cancer centers in our hospital.

Different Perceptions of Clinical Nutrition Services between Doctors and Dietitians in the Busan-Gyeongnam Area

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference in perception of clinical nutrition service (CNS) between doctors and dietitians working in hospitals in Busan and the Gyeongnam area. Research was performed through questionnaires (from November to December 2011) at over 100 beds. 73.3% of dietitians were aware of the Nutrition Support Team (NST), while only 15.6% of doctors were aware of it. Due to heavy work and lack of medical staff, doctors didn't participate in NST, although most of them recognized the necessity of NST. 61.7% of dietitians screened and managed malnourished patients, whereas only 29.8% of doctors did. The main reason dietitians didn't treat malnourished patients was the absence of a treatment system in the hospital. Less than 50% of dietitians participated in the doctor's round to malnourished patients. As for why dietitians didn't participate in doctor's rounds, 71% of doctors chose understaffed dietitians and 38.1% of dietitians chose the doctors' unawareness of the importance of the dietitian in doctor's rounds. For the lower rate of nutrition counseling in provincial regions, compared to the capital region, 46.8% of doctors cited a lack of connection between doctors and clinical dietitians, while 43.3% of dietitians cited the lack of doctors' awareness on the importance of nutrition counseling. Although 87.3% of the doctors and 91.6% of the dietitians answered that CNS is important for treatment, the perception of onsite performance status on CNS was found to be low in both groups. 48.9% of doctors and 50.0% of dietitians regarded dietitians in the hospital as personnel in charge of food services, rather a member of the medical team. To improve the awareness of the importance of the CNS, and the image of clinical dietitians, 31.2% of doctors answered "to introduce a professional dietitian license for each disease" and 26.7% of dietitians answered "to change the system in the hospital". Most subjects found that a separation of clinical nutrition services from the food service part is needed. These results suggest that it is important to narrow the difference in perceptions of clinical nutrition services between doctors and dietitians for an organized clinical nutrition management of patients in hospitals in Busan and the Gyeongnam area.

A study on intake of health functional food and its related factors in adults living in busan and gyeongnam area.

The purpose of this study was to describe the pattern of "health functional food (HFF)" intake and related factors in Busan and Gyeongnam area and provide useful information for health promotion through the use of HFF. Among subjects of this study (n = 634), about 64% of the subjects reported that they are currently taking HFFs or other health foods or had HFFs in the last year. The reason of subjects taking HFF was to maintain and promote their health. They choose HFF by their own judgement or knowledge and the main place of purchasing HFF was the HFF store. Main food sources for promoting health in study subjects were nutrient fortified foods (76.8%), fruit or vegetable extracts (64.8%), HFF (64%), herbs or oriental medicines (29.6%), folk remedies or unidentified remedies (24.9%), respectively. The preference type of the products was capsule and liquid. 60.6% of consumers thought that HFF are expensive. 9.7% of consumers experienced the side effect such as stomachache and gastroenteric trouble. Using logistic regression analysis, the use of HFF was 1.9 times higher in female than male subjects indicating strong association between gender and HFF use. Additionally higher prevalence was found in female subjects for right conception of HFF and distinction of HFF. Interestingly subjects who consume less salts exhibited a higher tendency (-1.5 folds) in HFF intake than who prefer to use salt and seasonings in diets. In total study subjects 83.9% of them have known and heard about definition of the HFF. The major route of acquiring the information about HFF was mass media such as TV, internet and newspapers. Also subjects who had taken HFF exhibited high a proper conception toward the knowledge about 'distinction of HFF'. Taken together education programs considering gender, dietary habit and life style is necessary for consumers to select proper HFF.

A Study on Intake of Health Functional Food and Its Related Factors in Adults Living in Busan and Gyeongnam Area

The purpose of this study was to describe the pattern of "health functional food (HFF)" intake and related factors in Busan and Gyeongnam area and provide useful information for health promotion through the use of HFF. Among subjects of this study (n = 634), about 64% of the subjects reported that they are currently taking HFFs or other health foods or had HFFs in the last year. The reason of subjects taking HFF was to maintain and promote their health. They choose HFF by their own judgement or knowledge and the main place of purchasing HFF was the HFF store. Main food sources for promoting health in study subjects were nutrient fortified foods (76.8%), fruit or vegetable extracts (64.8%), HFF (64%), herbs or oriental medicines (29.6%), folk remedies or unidentified remedies (24.9%), respectively. The preference type of the products was capsule and liquid. 60.6% of consumers thought that HFF are expensive. 9.7% of consumers experienced the side effect such as stomachache and gastroenteric trouble. Using logistic regression analysis, the use of HFF was 1.9 times higher in female than male subjects indicating strong association between gender and HFF use. Additionally higher prevalence was found in female subjects for right conception of HFF and distinction of HFF. Interestingly subjects who consume less salts exhibited a higher tendency (-1.5 folds) in HFF intake than who prefer to use salt and seasonings in diets. In total study subjects 83.9% of them have known and heard about definition of the HFF. The major route of acquiring the information about HFF was mass media such as TV, internet and newspapers. Also subjects who had taken HFF exhibited high a proper conception toward the knowledge about 'distinction of HFF'. Taken together education programs considering gender, dietary habit and life style is necessary for consumers to select proper HFF.

Rate of return to race after arthroscopic surgeries in Thoroughbred racehorses (2005~2010) / 대한수의학회지

The racehorses that under arthroscopic surgery due to be injured his limbs were studied during exercise or training at Busan Race Park from 2005 to 2010. Rate of arthroscopic surgical treatments was 1.4% (63/4,642). Affected bones were radius, radial carpal bone, third carpal bone, proximal phalanx, third metacarpal bone, femur, tibia, proximal sesamoid bone and intermediate carpal bone. The lesions were fracture, chip fracture, slap fracture, osteochonrosis, and osteochondrotitis dissencans. Number of patients under arthroscopic surgery were 63. Success horses of returned to racetrack or tried to return to racetrack were 58, and 5 horses were in training or resting at the time of publication. Success horses of returned to their previous use in the patients were 49 horses (84.4%) and no returned to the racetrack were 9 horses (15.6%) in 58 horses.

Viral Etiology and Epidemiology of Outpatients with Acute Respiratory Illnesses in Busan: 2007-2008 / 소아감염

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify the viral etiology of acute respiratory illnesses and to determine epidemiology in outpatients in Busan, Korea. METHODS: We collected nasal wash samples from 990 patients who visited the hospital for acute respiratory illnesses between January 2007 and December 2008. Extracted DNA or RNA from specimens was used for viral detection by an RT-PCR method. RESULTS: Of a total of 990 samples, viruses were detected in 351 cases (35.5%). The ratio of male to female was 1.6:1 and 93.7% were less than 5 years old. Rhinovirus was detected year-round in 202 cases (57.5%), respiratory syncytial virus from October to March in 57 cases (16.2%), adenovirus year-round in 37 cases (10.5%), influenza virus from December to April in 21 cases (6%), bocavirus from January to August in 15 cases (4.3%), parainfluenza virus from April to July in 9 cases (2.6%), coronavirus from January to July in 7 cases (2%), and enterovirus from June to September in 3 cases (0.9%). CONCLUSION: We identified the etiology and epidemiology of viruses that caused the acute respiratory diseases that were prevalent in Busan, 2007-2008. Further surveillance will be necessary.