• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.57-67
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• 1998

Purpose : This study was undertaken to determine the preoperative predictors of mortality and morbidity after lung cancer resection. Method: During the period from October 1, 1995 to August 31, 1996, a prospective study was conducted in 92 lung resection candidates diagnosed as lung cancer. For preoperative predictors of nonpulmonary factors, we considered age, sex, weight loss, hematocrit, serum albumin, EKG and concomitant illness, and for those of pulmonary factors, smoking history, presence of pneumonia, dyspnea scale(1 to 4), arterial blood gas analysis with room air breathing, routine pulmonary function test. And predicted postoperative(ppo) pulmonary factors such as PPO-$FEV_1$, ppo-diffusing capacity(DLco), predicted postoperative product(PPP) of ppo-$FEV_1%{\times}ppo$-DLco% and ppo-maximal $O_2$ uptake($VO_2$max) were also considered. Results: There were 78 men and 14 women with a median age of 62 years(range 42 to 82) and a mean $FEV_1$ of $2.37\pm0.06L$. Twenty nine patients had a decreased $FEV_1$ less than 2.0L. Pneumonectomy was performed in 26 patients, bilobectomy in 12, lobectomy in 54. Pulmonary complications developed in 10 patients, cardiac complications in 9, other complications(empyema, air leak, bleeding) in 11, and 16 patients were managed in intensive care unit for more than 48hours. Three patients died within 30 days after operation. The ppo-$VO_2$max was less than 10ml/kg/min in these three patients, but its statistical significance could not be determined due to small number of patients. In multivariate analysis, the predictor related to postoperative death was weight loss(p<0.05), and as for pulmonary complications, weight loss, dyspnea scale, ppo-DLco and extent of resection(p<0.05). Conclusions: Based on this study, preoperative nonpulmonary factors such as weight loss and dyspnea scale are more important than the pulmonary factors in the prediction of postoperative mortality and/or morbodity in lung resection candidates, but exercise pulmonary fuction test may be useful Our study suggests that ppo-$VO_2$max value less than 10ml/kg/min is associated with death after lung cancer resection but further studies are needed to validate this result.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.14-23
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• 2000

Background: The evaluation of candidates for successful lung resection is important. Our study was conducted to determine the preoperative predictors of postoperative mortality and morbidity in lung cancer patients with impaired lung function. Method; Between October 1, 1995 and August 31, 1997, 36 lung resection candidates for lung cancer with $FEV_1$ of less than 2L or 60% of predicted value were included prospectively. Age, sex, weight loss, hematocrit, serum albumin, EKG and concomitant illness were considered as systemic potential predictors for successful lung resection. Smoking history, presence of pneumonia, dyspnea scale(l to 4), arterial blood gas analysis with room air breathing, routine pulmonary function test were also included for the analysis. In addition, predicted postoperative(ppo) pulmonary factors such as ppo-$FEV_1$ ppo-diffusing capacity(DLco), predicted postoperative product(PPP) of ppo-$FEV_1%{\times}$ppo-DLco% and ppo-maximal $O_2$ uptake($VO_2$max) were also measured. Results: There were 31 men and 5 women with the median age of 65 years(range, 44 to 82) and a mean $FEV_1$ of $1.78{\pm}0.06L$. Pneumonectomy was performed in 14 patients, bilobectomy in 8, lobectomy in 14. Pulmonary complications developed in 10 patients; cardiac complications in 3, other complications(empyema, air leak, bleeding) in 4. Twelve patients were managed in the intensive care unit for more than 48 hours. Two patients died within 30 days after operation. The ppo-$VO_2$max was less than 10 ml/kg/min in these two patients. MVV was the only predictor for the pulmonary complications. However, there was no predictor for the post operative death in this study. Conclusions: Based on the results, MVV was the useful predictor for postoperative pulmonary complications in lung cancer resection candidates with impaired lung function In addition, ppo-$VO_2$max value less than 10 ml/kg/min was associated with postoperative death, so exercise pulmonary function test could be useful as preoperative test. But further studies are needed to validate this result.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.53-68
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• 1969

The nutriophysiological response of rice plant to root environment was investigated with eye observation of root development and rhizosphere in situation. The results may be summarized as follows: 1) The quick decomposition of organic matter, added in low yield soil, caused that the origainal organic matter content was reached very quickly, in spite of it low value. In high yield soil the reverse was seen. 2) In low yield soil root development, root activity and T/R value were very low, whereas addition of organic matter lowered them still wore. This might be contributed to gas bubbles around the root by the decomposition of organic matter. 3) Varietal difference in the response to root environment was clear. Suwon 82 was more susceptible to growth-inhibitine conditions on low-yield soil than Norin 25. 4) Potassium uptake was mostly hindered by organic matter, while some factors in soil hindered mostly posphorus uptake. When the organic matter was added to such soil, the effect of them resulted in multiple interaction. 5) The root activity showed a correlation coeffieient of 0.839, 0.834 and 0.948 at 1% level with the number of root, yield of aerial part and root yield, respectively. At 5% level the root-activity showed correlation-coefficient of 0.751, 0.670 and 0.769 with the uptake of the aerial part of respectively. N, P and K and a correlation-coefficient of 0.729, 0.742 and 0.815 with the uptake of the root of respectively N.P. and K. So especially for K-uptake a high correlation with the root-activity was found. 6) The nitrogen content of the roots in low-yield soil was higher than in high-yield soil, while the content in the upper part showed the reverse. It may suggest ammonium toxicity in the root. In low-yield soil Potassium and Phosphorus content was low in both the root and aerial part, and in the latter particularly in the culm and leaf sheath. 7) The content of reducing sugar, non-recuding sugar, starh and eugar, total carbohydrates in the aerial part of plants in low yield soil was higher than in high yield soil. The content of them, especially of reducing sugar in the roots was lower. It may be caused by abnormal metabolic consumption of sugar in the root. 8) Sulfur content was very high in the aerial part, especially in leaf blade of plants on low yield soil and $P_2O_5/S$ value of the leaf blade was one fifth of that in high yield soil. It suggests a possible toxic effect of sulfate ion on photophosphorization. 9) The high value of $Fe/P_2O_5$ of the aerial part of plants in low yield soil suggests the possible formation of solid $Fe/PO_4$ as a mechanical hindrance for the translocation of nutrients. 10) Translocation of nutrients in the plant was very poor and most nutrients were accumulated in the root in low yield soil. That might contributed to the lack of energy sources and mechanical hindrance. 11) The amount of roots in high yield soil, was greater than that in low yield soil. The in high-yield soil was deep, distribution of the roots whereas in the low-yield soil the root-distribution was mainly in the top-layer. Without application of Nitrogen fertilizer the roots were mainly distributed in the upper 7cm. of topsoil. With 120 kg N/ha. root were more concentrated in the layer between 7cm. and 14cm. depth. The amount of roots increased with the amount of fertilizer applied.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.495-503
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• 1999

Background: We tested the technical feasibility of fetal cardiac bypass and collected baseline data on the fetal hemodynamics and placental functions related to the cardiopulmonary bypass in the fetal lamb model. Material and Method: Eleven fetuses at 120 to 150 days of gestation were subjected to bypass via trans-sternal approach with a 12 G pulmonary arterial cannula and 14 to 18 F venous cannula for 30 minutes. All ewes received general anesthesia with ketamine. In all the fetuses, no anesthetic agents were used except muscle relaxant. Eight served as a group in which placenta was excluded from the extracorporeal circulation by clamping the umbilical cord during the bypass(the oxygenator group) and in the remaining three, the placenta worked as the only source of oxygen supply(the placenta group). Observations were made every 10 minute during a 30-minute bypass and 30-minute post bypass period. No prostaglandin inhibitors were used both in ewes and in fetuses. Result: Weights of the fetuses ranged from 1.9 to 5.2 kg. In the oxygenator group, means of arterial pressure, PaO2, atrial pressure, heart rate, and bypass flow rate ranged 69.8 to 82.6 mmHg, 201.7 to 220.9 mmHg, 4.1 to 4.3 mmHg, 169 to 182/min, and 140.3 to 164.0 ml/kg/min, respectively during bypass, but rapid deterioration of the fetal cardiac functions and the placental gas exchange was observed after the cessation of bypass. In the placenta group, means of arterial pressure decreased from 44.7 to 14.4 mmHg and means of PaCO2 increased from 61.9 to 129.6 mmHg during bypass. Flow rate was suboptimal(74.3 to 97.0 ml/kg/min) during bypass. All hearts fibrillated immediately after the discontinuation of bypass. Conclusion: In this study, the technical feasibility of fetal cardiopulmonary bypass was confirmed in the fetal lamb model. However, further studies with modifications of the bypass including an addition of prostaglandin inhibitor, an application of the total spinal anesthesia on the fetus, a creation of more concise bypass circuit, and a use of active pump are mandatory to improve the outcome.

• Journal of Korea Technical Association of The Pulp and Paper Industry
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.34-45
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• 2016

Global warming and climate change have been caused by combustion of fossil fuels. The greenhouse gases contributed to the rise of temperature between $0.6^{\circ}C$ and $0.9^{\circ}C$ over the past century. Presently, fossil fuels account for about 88% of the commercial energy sources used. In developing countries, fossil fuels are a very attractive energy source because they are available and relatively inexpensive. The environmental problems with fossil fuels have been aggravating stress from already existing factors including acid deposition, urban air pollution, and climate change. In order to control greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2, fossil fuels must be replaced by eco-friendly fuels such as biomass. The use of renewable energy sources is becoming increasingly necessary. The biomass resources are the most common form of renewable energy. The conversion of biomass into energy can be achieved in a number of ways. The most common form of converted biomass is pellet fuels as biofuels made from compressed organic matter or biomass. Pellets from lignocellulosic biomass has compared to conventional fuels with a relatively low bulk and energy density and a low degree of homogeneity. Thermal pretreatment technology like torrefaction is applied to improve fuel efficiency of lignocellulosic biomass, i.e., less moisture and oxygen in the product, preferrable grinding properties, storage properties, etc.. During torrefacton, lignocelluosic biomass such as palm kernell shell (PKS) and empty fruit bunch (EFB) was roasted under an oxygen-depleted enviroment at temperature between 200 and $300^{\circ}C$. Low degree of thermal treatment led to the removal of moisture and low molecular volatile matters with low O/C and H/C elemental ratios. The mechanical characteristics of torrefied biomass have also been altered to a brittle and partly hydrophobic materials. Unfortunately, it was much harder to form pellets from torrefied PKS and EFB due to thermal degradation of lignin as a natural binder during torrefaction compared to non-torrefied ones. For easy pelletization of biomass with torrefaction, pellets from PKS and EFB were manufactured before torrefaction, and thereafter they were torrefied at different temperature. Even after torrefaction of pellets from PKS and EFB, their appearance was well preserved with better fuel efficiency than non-torrefied ones. The physical properties of the torrefied pellets largely depended on the torrefaction condition such as reaction time and reaction temperature. Temperature over $250^{\circ}C$ during torrefaction gave a significant impact on the fuel properties of the pellets. In particular, torrefied EFB pellets displayed much faster development of the fuel properties than did torrefied PKS pellets. During torrefaction, extensive carbonization with the increase of fixed carbons, the behavior of thermal degradation of torrefied biomass became significantly different according to the increase of torrefaction temperature. In conclusion, pelletization of PKS and EFB before torrefaction made it much easier to proceed with torrefaction of pellets from PKS and EFB, leading to excellent eco-friendly fuels.

• Proceedings of the KOSOMBE Conference
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• v.1992 no.05
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• pp.27-47
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• 1992

Engineers have developed new instruments that aid in diagnosis and therapy Ultrasonic imaging has provided a nondamaging method of imaging internal organs. A complex transducer emits ultrasonic waves at many angles and reconstructs a map of internal anatomy and also velocities of blood in vessels. Fast computed tomography permits reconstruction of the 3-dimensional anatomy and perfusion of the heart at 20-Hz rates. Positron emission tomography uses certain isotopes that produce positrons that react with electrons to simultaneously emit two gamma rays in opposite directions. It locates the region of origin by using a ring of discrete scintillation detectors, each in electronic coincidence with an opposing detector. In magnetic resonance imaging, the patient is placed in a very strong magnetic field. The precessing of the hydrogen atoms is perturbed by an interrogating field to yield two-dimensional images of soft tissue having exceptional clarity. As an alternative to radiology image processing, film archiving, and retrieval, picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) are being implemented. Images from computed radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, and ultrasound are digitized, transmitted, and stored in computers for retrieval at distributed work stations. In electrical impedance tomography, electrodes are placed around the thorax. 50-kHz current is injected between two electrodes and voltages are measured on all other electrodes. A computer processes the data to yield an image of the resistivity of a 2-dimensional slice of the thorax. During fetal monitoring, a corkscrew electrode is screwed into the fetal scalp to measure the fetal electrocardiogram. Correlations with uterine contractions yield information on the status of the fetus during delivery To measure cardiac output by thermodilution, cold saline is injected into the right atrium. A thermistor in the right pulmonary artery yields temperature measurements, from which we can calculate cardiac output. In impedance cardiography, we measure the changes in electrical impedance as the heart ejects blood into the arteries. Motion artifacts are large, so signal averaging is useful during monitoring. An intraarterial blood gas monitoring system permits monitoring in real time. Light is sent down optical fibers inserted into the radial artery, where it is absorbed by dyes, which reemit the light at a different wavelength. The emitted light travels up optical fibers where an external instrument determines O2, CO2, and pH. Therapeutic devices include the electrosurgical unit. A high-frequency electric arc is drawn between the knife and the tissue. The arc cuts and the heat coagulates, thus preventing blood loss. Hyperthermia has demonstrated antitumor effects in patients in whom all conventional modes of therapy have failed. Methods of raising tumor temperature include focused ultrasound, radio-frequency power through needles, or microwaves. When the heart stops pumping, we use the defibrillator to restore normal pumping. A brief, high-current pulse through the heart synchronizes all cardiac fibers to restore normal rhythm. When the cardiac rhythm is too slow, we implant the cardiac pacemaker. An electrode within the heart stimulates the cardiac muscle to contract at the normal rate. When the cardiac valves are narrowed or leak, we implant an artificial valve. Silicone rubber and Teflon are used for biocompatibility. Artificial hearts powered by pneumatic hoses have been implanted in humans. However, the quality of life gradually degrades, and death ensues. When kidney stones develop, lithotripsy is used. A spark creates a pressure wave, which is focused on the stone and fragments it. The pieces pass out normally. When kidneys fail, the blood is cleansed during hemodialysis. Urea passes through a porous membrane to a dialysate bath to lower its concentration in the blood. The blind are able to read by scanning the Optacon with their fingertips. A camera scans letters and converts them to an array of vibrating pins. The deaf are able to hear using a cochlear implant. A microphone detects sound and divides it into frequency bands. 22 electrodes within the cochlea stimulate the acoustic the acoustic nerve to provide sound patterns. For those who have lost muscle function in the limbs, researchers are implanting electrodes to stimulate the muscle. Sensors in the legs and arms feed back signals to a computer that coordinates the stimulators to provide limb motion. For those with high spinal cord injury, a puff and sip switch can control a computer and permit the disabled person operate the computer and communicate with the outside world.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.196-204
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• 2009

This study was carried out to investigate the in vivo and in vitro inhibitory effect of a traditional herbal complex (HC) extract prepared from a mixture of four oriental herbs (Dioscorea Rhizoma, Glycine soja Sieb. et Zucc, Bombycis corpus, Fermented Glycine soja) that have been widely used for the treatment and prevention of diabetes mellitus on hyperglycemia. The water extract of HC showed potent inhibitory effect on $\alpha$-glucosidase with $IC_{50}$ value of 1.24 mg/mL. Additionally, the ethanol extract of HC was also found to exhibit significant inhibitory effect against protein tyrosine phosphatase $1{\beta}$ ($PTP1{\beta}$), which is known as a major regulator of both insulin and leptin signaling. In the $PTP1{\beta}$ inhibitory assay, the most active n-hexane fraction obtained from the ethanol extract of HC, was identified as a mixture of fatty acid derivatives by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In high-fat diet-low dose streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat, the water extract of HC improved the oral glucose intolerance as compared with rosiglitazone. HC also caused a marked decrease of body weight and fasting blood glucose and a significant improvement on glucose tolerance in metabolic syndrome mice model. These findings support that this traditional HC may be useful in the control of blood glucose in diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.932-943
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• 2000

Background : Nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis (NSIP) is most likely to be confused with usual interstitial pneumonitis (UIP). Unlike patients witþ UIP, the majority of patients with NSIP have a good prognosis, with most patients improving after treatment with corticosteroids. Therefore it is clinically important to differentiate NSIP from UIP. Up to now, the only means of differentiating these two diseases was by means of surgical lung biopsy. American Thoracic Society (ATS) proposed a clinical diagnostic criteria for UIP to provide assistance to clinicians in its diagnosis without surgical lung biopsy. This study is aimed to investigate whether there were clinical and radiological differences between NSIP and UIP, and the usefulness of ATS clinical diagnostic criteria for UIP in Korea. Methods : We studied 60 patients with UIP and NSIP confirmed by surgical lung biopsy. Clinical manifestations, pulmonary function test, arterial blood gas analysis, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) were evaluated and analyzed by Chi-square test or t-test. The clinical criteria for UIP proposed by ATS were applied to all patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. Results : Forty-two patients with UIP and 18 with NSIP were pathologically identified. Among the 18 patients with NSIP (M : F=1 : 17), the mean age was 55.2$\pm$8.4 (44~73) yr. Among the 42 patients with UIP (M : F=33 : 9), the mean age was 59.5$\pm$7.1 (45~74) yr (p=0.046). Fever was more frequent in NSIP (39%) (p=0.034), but clubbing was frequently observed in UIP (33%) (p=0.023). BAL lymphocytosis was more frequent (23%) (p=0.0001) and CD4/CD8 ratio was lower in NSIP (p=0.045). On HRCT, UIP frequently showed honeycomb appearance (36 of 42 patients) though not in NSIP (p=0.0001). Six of 42 UIP patients (14.3%) met the ATS clinical criteria for IPF, and 3 of 16 NSIP patients (18.8%) met the diagnostic criteria. Conclusion : Being a relatively young female and having short duration of illness, fever, BAL lymphocytosis, low CD4/CD8 ratio with the absence of clubbing and honeycomb appearance in HRCT increase the likelihood of the illness being NSIP. The usefulness of ATS clinical diagnostic criteria for UIP may be low in Korea.