• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.48 no.1
• /
• pp.33-44
• /
• 2000

Background: To evaluate airway responses and inflammation to antigen in Sprague-Dawley rat asthma model, we examined airway responses, serial histologic changes of the lung, and the relationship between airway responses and airway inflammation after antigen airway challenge. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were sensitized with subcutaneous injection of 10 ${\mu}g$ ovalbumin(OA). Antigen airway challenges were done 14~16 days after sensitization and the sensitized rats were sacrificed 1h($A_E$), 6~8h($A_L$) and 1day($A_D$) after airway challenge, to examine the histologic changes of the lung. Airway responses were measured by body plethysmograph and recorded by enhanced pause(Penh) as an index of airway obstruction 6~8h after antigen challenges. Nonsensitized controls(10 rats) were also challenged with antigen and sacrificed 1 day later. Histopathologic examination of two trachea, large bronchi, small bronchi, and vessels was performed to evaluate the severity of inflammation and eosinophilic infiltration with H&E stain. Results: In 17 of 20 rats(85%) in both groups, we observed airway responses. Among them, an early response(ER) in 15 rats(75%), an dual response in 5(25%), and an late response(LR) only in 2 rats(10%) displayed. There were no significant differences in the severity of inflammation among the trachea, large bronchi, small bronchi and vessels in all groups after antigen challenge(p>0.05) and between early and late responders. The significant eosinophil infiltration was observed in 5 rats(50%) of AL(p<0.05) compared with in AE and controls. Also, eosinophil infiltration was observed in higher trend in LR(57.1%) compared to ER(40%)(p>0.05). Conclusion: Sprague-Dawley rats sensitized with subcutaneous injection of OA showed a significant airway responses to antigen challenge. But antigen challenges caused a little eosinophil infiltration and no significant airway inflammation. Asthma model of Sprague-Dawley rats could be useful for antigen-induced airway responses, but this model has a limitation for the study of human asthma because of no significant pathologic change.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.37 no.6
• /
• pp.504-510
• /
• 2004

Background: Vasodilatory shock after cardiac surgery may result from the vasopressin deficiency following cardio-pulmonary bypass and sepsis, which did not respond to usual intravenous inotropes. In contrast to the adult patients, the effectiveness of vasopressin for vasodilatory shock in children has not been known well and so we reviewed our experience of vasopressin therapy in the small babies with a cardiac disease. Material and Method: Between February and August 2003, intravenous vasopressin was administrated in 6 patients for vasodilatory shock despite being supported on intravenous inotropes after cardiac surgery. Median age at operation was 25 days old (ranges; 2∼41 days) and median body weight was 2,870 grams (ranges; 900∼3,530 grams). Preoperative diag-noses were complete transposition of the great arteries in 2 patients, hypoplastic left heart syndrome in 1, Fallot type double-outlet right ventricle in 1, aortic coarctation with severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation in 1, and total anomalous pulmonary venous return in 1. Total repair and palliative repair were undertaken in each 3 patient. Result: Most patients showed vasodilatory shock not responding to the inotropes and required the vasopressin therapy within 24 hours after cardiac surgery and its readministration for septic shock. The dosing range for vasopressin was 0.0002∼0.008 unit/kg/minute with a median total time of its administration of 59 hours (ranges; 26∼140 hours). Systolic blood pressure before, 1 hour, and 6 hours after its administration were 42.7$\pm$7.4 mmHg, 53.7$\pm$11.4 mmHg, and 56.3$\pm$13.4 mmHg, respectively, which shows a significant increase in systolic blood pressure (systolic pressure 1hour and 6 hours after the administration compared to before the administration; p=0.042 in all). Inotropic indexes before, 6 hour, and 12 hours after its administration were 32.3$\pm$7.2, 21.0$\pm$8.4, and 21.2$\pm$8.9, respectively, which reveals a significant decrease in inotropic index (inotropic indexes 6 hour and 12 hours after the administration compared to before the administration; p=0.027 in all). Significant metabolic acidosis and decreased urine output related to systemic hypoperfusion were not found after vasopressin admin- istration. Conclusion: In young children suffering from vasodilatory shock not responding to common inotropes despite normal ventricular contractility, intravenous vasopressin reveals to be an effective vasoconstrictor to increase systolic blood pressure and to mitigate the complications related to higher doses of inotropes.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.18 no.9
• /
• pp.1263-1270
• /
• 2008

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of exercise mode and anti-hypertensive drug responding status on the cardiovascular response and perceived exertion in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Seventy-five patients who participated in six-week exercise rehabilitation therapy performed a treadmill running and a cycle ergometer exercise at intensities of 60%HRR and 85%HRR respectively. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), rate pressure production (RPP), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. The results of cardiovascular response by the different exercise modes with moderate and intensive intensity of anti-hypertensive drug responder and nonresponder ACS patients were following: First cycle ergometer exercise induced significantly higher SBP, DBP, MAP, RPP and MAP than treadmill running exercise at the intensities of 60%HRR and 85%HRR in both anti-hypertensive responder and nonresponder ACS patients (p<0.05). Secondly anti-hypertensive nonresponder ACS patients had significantly higher DBP and MAP that anti-hypertensive responder ACS patients at all the exercise modes (p<0.05). Finally there was no difference of RPP between anti-hypertensive responder and nomresponder ACS patients, although anti-hypertensive nonresponder ACS patients showed higher blood pressure and RPP than anti-hypertensive responder ACS patients. In conclusion, cycle ergometer induced increased cardiovascular response at same intensities of treadmill running exercise and anti-hypertensive nonresponder ACS patients had even more increased cardiovascular response than anti-hypertensive responder ACS patients with no difference in perceived exertion during exercise. These results suggested that cycle ergometer exercise should be greatly careful with the risk of higher blood pressure, especially for those who are patients with hypertensive blood pressure.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
• /
• v.2 no.1
• /
• pp.73-81
• /
• 1995

Objective : Patients with sleep apnea should be diagnosed with polysomnography(PSG). However, it is not easy to recommend PSG for all patients suspected with sleep apnea in practice. Therefore, we tried to develop the screening test for referral of PSG. Method : 140 patients with snoring and sleep apnea syndrome were studied by the PSG. Sleep apnea questionnaire. Zung's scale for depression. Stanford Sleepiness Scale(SSS), insomnia scale and neuropsychological test were administered. Also, blood pressure, height, weight and neck circumference were measured and some histories were taken. Correlations between respiratory disturbance index(RDI) and various parameters mentioned above and discriminant coefficients of the parameters to RDI were computed. And, we investigated sensitivities of screening tests for selection of the patients with RDI above 20. Results : Using six parameters(neck circumference, systolic blood pressure before sleep, degree of alcohol drinking, frequency of breath-holding during sleep, degree of dry mouth during sleep, sleep apnea score), the patients with RDI above 20 could be discriminated in 92.8% sensitivity. In case of more than two among six parameters(neck circumference of above 40cm, systolic blood pressure of above 125mmHg, frequent alcohol drinking, frequent breath-holding during sleep, frequent dry mouth during sleep, sleep apnea score of above 35), same patients could be discriminated in 87.6% sensitivity. And, in case of more than one among four parameters(neck circumference of above 40cm. systolic blood pressure of above 125mmHg, frequent alcohol drinking, body weight of above 80kg), discrimination sensitivity was 83.5%. Conclusions : Patients with RDI above 20 could be discriminated by above parameters with high sensitivity. Therefore, the screening test using above parameters can be applied in selection of the patients with sleep apnea for PSG in practice.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.50 no.2
• /
• pp.196-204
• /
• 2001

Background : Bronchial asthma is characterized by a reversible airway obstruction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and eosinophilic airway inflammation. The bronchodilator response(BDR) after short acting beta agonist inhalation and PC20 with methacholine inhalation are frequently used for diagnosing bronchial asthma. However, the relationship between the presence of a bronchodilator response and the degree of airway hyperresponsiveness is uncertain. Therefore, the availability of a eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and a correlation ECP with a bronchodilator response and airway hyperresponsiveness was investigated. Method : A total 71 patients with a moderate to severe degree of bronchial asthma were enrolled and divided into two groups. 31 patients with a positive bronchodilator response and 38 patients with a negative bronchodilator response were evaluated. In both groups, the serum ECP, peripheral blood eosinophil counts, and total IgE level were measured and the methacholine bronchial provocation test was examined. Results : There were no differences observed in age, sex, atopy, and baseline spirometry in both groups. The peripheral eosinophil counts showed no difference in both groups, but the ECP level in group 1 (bronchodilator responder group) was higher than in group 2(non-bronchodilator responder group) ($22.4{\pm}20.7$ vs $14.2{\pm}10.4$, mean$\pm$SD). The PC20 in group 1 was significantly lower than in group 2 ($1.14{\pm}1.68$ vs $66{\pm}2.98$). There was a significant positive correlation between the BDR and ECP, and a negative correlation between the bronchial hyperresponsiveness and ECP. Conclusion : The bronchodilator response significantly correlated with the bronchial hyperresponsiveness and serum ECP in the moderate to severe asthma patients. Hence, the positive bronchodilator response is probably related with active bronchial inflammation and may be used as a valuable index in treatment, course and prognosis of bronchial asthma.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
• /
• v.36 no.12
• /
• pp.1497-1502
• /
• 2012

To manufacture a robot hand that essentially mimics the functions of a human hand, it is necessary to develop flexible actuators and sensors. In this study, we propose the design, manufacture, and performance verification of flexible actuators and sensors based on Electro Active Polymer (EAP). EAP is fabricated as a type of film, and it moves with changes in the voltage because of contraction and expansion in the polymer film. Furthermore, if a force is applied to an EAP film, its thickness and effective area change, and therefore, the capacitance also changes. By using this mechanism, we produce capacitive actuators and sensors. In this study, we propose an EAP-based capacitive sensor and evaluate its use as a robot hand sensor.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.44 no.1
• /
• pp.124-135
• /
• 1997

Background : Diffuse panbronchiolitis(DPB) is a disease characterized clinically by chronic cough, expectoration and dyspnea; and histologically by chronic inflammation localized mainly in the region of the respiratory bronchiole. It is prevalent in Japanese, but is known to be rare in Americans and Europians. Only a few cases in Chinese, Italians, North Americans and Koreans have been reported. It is diagnosed by characteristic clinical, radiological and pathologic features. High-resolution CT(HRCT) is known to be valuable in the study of the disease process and response to therapy in DPB. To our knowledge, there has been no correlation of its appearance on HRCT with the severity of the disease process, and radioaerosol scan(RAS) of the lung has not previously been used for the diagnosis of DPB. Method : During recent two years we have found 12 cases of DPB in Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University Medical College. We analysed the clinical characteristics, compared HRCT classifications with clinical stages of DPB, and determined characteristic RAS manifestations of DPB. Results : 1. The ages ranged from 31 to 83 years old(mean 54.5 years old), and male female ratio was 4:8. 75%(9/12) of patients had paranasal sinusitis, and only one patient was a smoker. 2. The patients were assigned to one of three clinical stages of DPB on the basis of clinical findings, sputum bacterology and arterial blood gas analysis. of 12 cases, 5 were in the first stage, 4 were in the second stage, and 3 were in the third stage. In most of the patients, pulmonary function tests showed marked obstructive and slight restrictive impairments. Sputum culture yielded P.aeruginosa in 3 cases of our 12 cases, K.pneumoniae in 2 cases, H.influenzae in 2 cases, and S.aureus in 2 cases. 3. Of 12 patients, none had stage I characteristics as classified on HRCT scans, 4 had slage II findings, 5 had stage III findings, and 3 had stage IV characteristics. 4. We peformed RAS in 7 of 12 patients With DPB. In 71.4% (5/7) of the patients, RAS showed mottled aerosol deposits characteristically in the transitional and intermediary airways with peripheral airspace defects, which contrasted sharply with central aerosol deposition of COPD. 5. There were significant correlations between HRCT stages and clinical stages(r= 0.614, P < 0.05), between HRCT types and Pa02(r= -0.614, P < 0.05), and between HRCT types and ESR(r= 0.618, P < 0.01). Conclusion : The HRCT classifications correspond well to the clinical stage. Therfore in the examination of patients with DPB, HRCT is useful in the evaluation of both the location and severity of the lesions. Also, RAS apears to be a convenient, noninvasive and useful diagnostic method of DPB.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
• /
• v.3 no.2
• /
• pp.989-995
• /
• 1996

This study was conducted to investigate variation of cardiopulmonary function by use of building stairs, a questionnair survey and measurement was carried out for 50 students of department of physical therapy Andong Junior College from 20th September to 3rd October, 1995. The result were as follows: The average systolic blood pressure(SBP) of stability for 50 college students who were measured was 121.3 mmHg, the average diastolic blood pressure(DBP) of stability was 78.5 mmHg, the average pulse frequency of stability was 71.8(frequency/min), the average breathing frequency of stability was 20.4(frequency/min), and the body temperature of stability was $36.8^{\circ}C$. SBP among the second, third, and fourth floors was 129.0 mmHg, 127.0 mmHg, and, 132.0 mmHg (p=0.1919), DBP was 80.1 mmHg, 76.5 mmHg, and, 82.0 mmHg (p=0.4229), the pulse frequency was 74.0, 73.1, and 74.0(frequency/min). The breathing frequency among the second, third, and fourth floors was statistically gradually increased according to 21.4, 23.1 and 24.6(frequency/min)(p=0.0071). The body temperature among the second, third, and fourth floors was statistically less and less decreased according to $36.8^{\circ}C,\;36.6^{\circ}C$ and $36.5^{\circ}C$(p=0.0040). It was revealed by this study, the breathing frequency among the second, third, and fourth floors was statistically significant increased, the body temperature was statistically significant decreased.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
• /
• v.3 no.1
• /
• pp.19-27
• /
• 1995

A comparison was made regarding the extent of anger between 50 hypertensives and 50 normotensives, using anger scale. In addition, correlation was investigated between the extent of anger and biological variables such as systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein(HDL) and triglyceride in each of both the groups. The two groups were matched to each other regarding age, sex, the level of education and body mass index(BMI). The hypertensives scored significantly higher than normotensives in anger suppression, whereas normotensives scored significantly higher than hypertensives in anger expression. In hypertensives, scores of anger suppression and anger expression did not significantly correlate with blood pressure, serum total cholesterol, HDL and triglyceride, respectively. In normotensives, however, scores of anger suppression correlated positively with systolic blood pressure. Male hypertensives scored significantly higher than female hypertensives regarding anger expression, whereas male normotensives scored significantly higher than female normotensives regarding anger expression and anger total subscale, respectively. These results suggest that hypertensives suppressed more anger than normotensives, and that anger suppression in normotensives was more likely to increase blood pressure, supporting the previous reports that suppressed anger may be related to hypertension.

• Journal of Adhesion and Interface
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.41-49
• /
• 2010

Furan-containing epoxide monomers (8, 9) were designed and synthesized as carbon-neutral, environment-friendly adhesion material. Bicyclic skeleton were constructed using the Diels-Alder reaction of furan and methyl acrylate, both readily accessible starting material from a biomass via bio-refinery process. After reduction of ester functionality, resulting hydroxyl moieties were coupled to epichlorohydrin to provide the epoxy-functionalized furanic monomers (8, 9). The structure of new furanic monomers was confirmed by $^1H$ and $^{13}C$ NMR spectroscopy. As UV-curable monomers, basic properties such as UV curing time and the extent of UV curing were evaluated by photo DSC. Photo-curing shrinkages were measured by linear variable differential transformer transducer (LVDT) and the effect of molecular structure on shrinkage was considered. In addition, new synthetic compounds showed the shear strength over 3 MPa when they were photo-cured between polycarbonate plates, which indicates these compounds are feasible to use as photo-curable adhesive materials.