• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.689-695
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• 2009

Purpose : To examine the effect of bosentan, a dual endothelin receptor (ER) antagonist, on the development of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats by especially focusing on the pulmonary vascular morphology changes. Methods : Sprague-Dawley rats were treated as follows: controls received a subcutaneous saline injection, MCT-treated rats received a subcutaneous MCT injection, and bosentan-treated rats received a MCT injection followed by treatment with bosentan (20 mg/kg/day). To assess the effects of ER blockade on the time course, the animals were exsanguinated, and their hearts and lungs were dissected after 7, 14, or 28 days. Results : The mean body weights of the MCT- and bosentan-treated rats were significantly lower than that of the control rats on days 7, 14, and 28. Bosentan administration significantly inhibited the progression of right ventricular hypertrophy on day 28 (right ventricle/[left ventricle＋septum]: $0.71{\pm}0.10$ in MCT-treated rats vs. $0.49{\pm}0.09$ in bosentan-treated rats; P<0.05). Quantitative analysis of peripheral pulmonary arteries revealed that the increase in medial wall thickness after MCT injection was significantly attenuated in the bosentan-treated rats on day 28 ($49.96{\pm}10.06%$ in MCT-treated rats vs. $47.09{\pm}10.48%$ in bosentan-treated rats; P<0.05). In addition, the increase in the number of intra-acinar muscular arteries after MCT injection was reduced by bosentan on days 14 and 28. Conclusion : Bosentan administration in intermediate doses exerts inhibitory effects on lung vascular hypertrophy and right ventricular hypertrophy during the development of MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.8 s.265
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• pp.611-618
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• 2006

Background: There have been controversies whether mitral valvular surgery is necessary in the patients with moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long term clinical results of patients with moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation. Material and Method: Between January 1992 and February 2005, 44 patients with moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. Concomitant mitral valvular procedure was performed in 20 patients (group 1) and isolated coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 24 patients (group 2). There were no significant difference between groups except cardiopulmonary bypass time (p<0.01). Postoperative follow up duration was $30.1{\pm}29.6$ months and last follow up echocardiographic examination was performed at $21.2{\pm}28.0$ months. Result: There was no difference in operative mortality between groups (group 1 vs group 2, 15.0% vs 8.3%, p=0.493). Grade of mitral regurgitation ${(0.81{\pm}0.91\;vs\;1.50{\pm}0.05,\;p=0.046)}$ and reduction in regurgitation grade ${(1.75{\pm}0.93\;vs\;0.70{\pm}1.26,\;p=0.009)}$ were different between two groups. But there were no significant differences in left ventricular ejection fraction ${(34.1{\pm}11.4%\;vs\;41.6{\pm}12.9%)}$, left ventricular end systolic volume ${(118.2{\pm}63.9\;ml%\;vs\;85.6{\pm}281\;ml)}$, New York Heart Association functional class ${(2.1{\pm}0.2\;vs\;2.4{\pm}1.2)}$ and 5 year survival rate ${(85{\pm}8%\;vs\;82{\pm}8%)}$. There was no risk factor for operative mortality and the only risk factor for late death was preoperative atrial fibrillation (p=0.042). There was no significant correlation between mitral valvular surgery and late death. Conclusion: Concomitant mitral valvular procedure in patients with moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting had no significant positive effect on survival and ventricular function compared with isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. Prospective randomized study may be needed to evaluate the necessity of concomitant mitral procedure and to find more effective method for the improvement of ventricular function.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.8 s.265
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• pp.626-632
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• 2006

Background: Pulmonary hypertension caused by chronic pulmonary embolism is underrecognized and carries a poor prognosis. Medical therapy is generally unsatisfactory and palliative. With the improvement of operative technique and postoperative management, pulmonary endarterectomy has been the treatment of choice for this condition. Material and Method: Between January 2001 and December 2005, eleven patients were received pulmonary endarterectomy. All patients had chronic dyspnea and exercise intolerance. Diagnosis was made with cardiac echocardiography, lung perfusion scan and computed tomography. Before the operation, Greenfield vena cava filter were placed in all patient except one. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was used for the distal-most portion of the endarterectomy procedure. More than moderate degree of tricuspid reguirgitation was repaired during operation. Result: There was no early and late death. Right ventricular systolic pressure was reduced significantly after operation from $91{\pm}21$ mmHg to $40{\pm}17$ mmHg on echocardiography (p=0.001). NYHA class and tricuspid reguirgitaion were improved postoperatively. Although mild reperfusion injury in three case and postoperative delirium in one case were observed, all of them recovered without complication. Conclusion: Pulmonary thromboendarterctomy offers to patient an acceptable morbidity rate and anticipation of clinical improvement. This method is safe and effective operation for pulmonary hypertension caused by chronic pulmonary thromboembolism.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.591-597
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• 2008

Background: Pulmonary endarterectomy is widely accepted as a treatment for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Based on our experiences, we sought to find ways to reduce perioperative complications and to improve surgical outcomes in patients undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy. Material and Method: This study was designed as a retrospective analysis of 20 patients with pulmonary hypertension who underwent pulmonary endarterectomy between January 1998 and March 2008. All patients presented with chronic dyspnea. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was the major cause of chronic pulmonary thromboembolism (55%). Seventeen patients (85%) underwent inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement. Thirteen patients underwent surgery under total circulatory arrest, while the others underwent surgery while on low flow cardiopulmonary bypass. Concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty was done in 6 patients (66%) whose tricuspid regurgitation was as severe as grade IV/IV. The mean follow-up duration was $45{\pm}32$ months. Result: Using of University of California, San Diego (UCSD), thromboembolism classification, 4 patients (20%) were type 1, 8 patients (40%) were type II, and 8 patients (40%) were type III. Right ventricular systolic pressure was reduced significantly from $77{\pm}29$ mmHg to $37{\pm}19$ mmHg after pulmonary endarterectomy (p<0.001). The degree of tricuspid regurgitation and the NYHA functional class were all improved postoperatively. Reperfusion edema occurred in 7 cases (35%). The incidence of reperfusion edema was higher in the UCSD type III group than in the other group (25% vs 50%, p=0.25) and the length of postoperative intensive care unit stay was longer in type III group ($5{\pm}2$ days vs $9{\pm}7$ days, p=0.07). The early mortality rate was 10%, and the late mortality rate was 15% (n=3); one death was due to progression of underlying non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and the other deaths were related to recurrent thromboembolism and persistent pulmonary hypertension, respectively. Conclusion: Pulmonary endarterectomy, as a curative surgical method for treating chronic thromboernbolic pulmonary hypertension, should be performed aggressively in patients diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and an effort should be made to reduce the frequency of perioperative complications and to improve surgical outcomes.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.618-625
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• 2018

With the passing of time, exposed concrete structures are affected by a range of environmental, chemical, and physical factors. These factors seep into the concrete and have a deleterious influence compared to the initial performance. The importance of identifying and preventing further performance degradation due to the occurrence of deterioration has been greatly emphasized. In recent years, evaluations of the target life have attracted increasing interest. During the freezing-melting effect, a part of the concrete undergoes swelling and shrinking repeatedly. At these times, chloride ions present in seawater penetrate into the concrete, and accelerate the deterioration due to the corrosion of reinforced bars in the concrete structures. For that reason, concrete structures located onshore with a freezing-melting effect are more prone to this type of deterioration than inland structures. The aim of this study was to develop a high performance mortar mixed with a mineral admixture for the durability properties of concrete structures near sea water. In addition, experimental studies were carried out on the strength and durability of mortar. The mixing ratio of the silica fume and meta kaolin was 3, 7 and 10 %, respectively. Furthermore, the ultra-fine fly ash was mixed at 5, 10, 15, and 20%. The mortar specimens prepared by mixing the admixtures were subjected to a static strength test on the 1st and 28th days of age and degradation acceleration tests, such as the chloride ion penetration resistance test, sulfuric acid resistance test, and salt resistant test, were carried out at 28 days of age. The chloride diffusion coefficient was calculated from a series of rapid chloride penetration tests, and used to estimate the life time against corrosion due to chloride ion penetration according to the KCI, ACI, and FIB codes. The life time of mortar with 10% meta kaolin was the longest with a service life of approximately 470 years according to the KCI code.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.37-44
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to provide a reference range for plasma homocysteine and to explore the relation between plasma homocysteine and nutritional indexes in a Korean college women. Thirty women were selected from college students in Seoul area With mean age of 22.4y. Dietary intakes of Vitamins B$_{6}$, B$_{12}$, folate were estimated from a 3 day food diary method and plasma homocysteine concentration was mearsured as well as the levels of blood vitamins. The results obtained are as follows. Mean daily intake of energy, vitamin B$_{6}$, B$_{12}$, and folate were 1731.9kcal, 0.9mg, 2.2mg and 139.8$\mu\textrm{g}$ respectively. Mean plasma homocysteine concentration was 12.4$\mu$mol/l with a range between 6.7 and 17.8$\mu$mol/l and the mean concentrations of plasma vitamin B$_{6}$(PLP), serum vitamin $_{12}$, Serum folate and RBC folate were 77.5nmol/l, 267.4pmol/l, 17.1 nmol/l and 736.5nmol/l arid 736.5nmol/l respectively. we found a negative correlation between plasma homocysteine concentration and dietary vitamins, and blood levels of vitamin although it was not significant.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.199-207
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• 2002

Purpose : Since the successful application of total atrio-pulmonary connection(TAPC) to patients with various types of physiologic single ventricles in 1971, post-operative survival rates have reached more than 90%. However some patients have been shown to present with late complications such as right atrial thrombosis, atrial fibrillation and protein losing enteropathy eventually leading to re-operation to control the long-term complications. The aim of this study is to review the results of total cavo-pulmonary connection(TCPC) in cases with late complications after TAPC. Methods : Between Jan. 1995 and Dec. 2000, 6 patients(5 males and 1 female) underwent cardiac catheterization $11{\pm}3$ months after conversion of previous TAPC to TCPC. We compared the hemodynamic and morphologic parameters before and after TCPC and also assessed the clinical outcomes. The indications for TAPC were tricuspid atresia in 4 cases and complex double-outlet right ventricle with single ventricle physiology in 2 cases. Results : There was no peri-operative mortality and all patients were clinically and hemodynamically improved at a mean follow-up of 11 months(range : 4 to 13). However, protein losing enteropathy recurred in 2 patients; this was were successfully treated with subcutaneous administration of heparin. Right atrial pressure before TCPC was $18.0{\pm}3.6mmHg$, but baffle pressure, corresponding to right atrial pressure decreased to $14.8{\pm}3.6mmHg$ after TCPC. The size of the pulmonary arteries did not regress after TCPC. Conclusion : The conversion of TAPC to TCPC improves clinical and hemodynamic status by decreasing the right atrial pressure and by providing a laminar cavo-pulmonary flow which enhances the effective pulmonary circulation in the so-called Fontan circulation.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.359-367
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• 2009

Objectives: This study was to identify the changes of body fat, blood pressure, blood glucose and serum lipid of middle and old aged women after participation in exercise program which includes aerobic(dance sports) and anaerobic(dumbbell gymnastics) exercises. Methods: One hundred women aged from 55 to 72 were surveyed before and after an exercise program. The exercise program was provided to the subjects performed during 6 months from July, 2007 to December, 2007 at a public health subcenter in Gumi City. Questionnaire survey for general characteristics, anthropometric measurement and blood test were taken before starting the program and anthropometric measurement and blood test after completing the program. Results: Body Weight, body fat and blood pressure showed significant change after the exercise program(p<0.05). Additionally in total glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride significant change was observed(p>0.05). Waite circumference decreased, however did not show statistically significant difference. Conclusions: It was effective to participate in dance sports and dumbbell gymnastics exercise regularly. All of the positive changes through the study showed that there should be the program for middle and old aged women to exercise actively and also the middle and old aged women need have a active exercise habits as regular as possible. Additional studies confirming the results of this study are needed to compare the effects of the dance sports and dumbbell gymnastics exercise on the other age groups.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.160-168
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• 2008

Purpose: This study was designed to characterize the nutritional status and assess obesity to determine the relationship between obesity and serum lipid profiles in 6~7 year old children. Methods: In 2007, we surveyed 483 children (233 boys and 250 girls) aged 6~7 years. The total cholesterol, triglyceride levels and HDL-cholesterol were measured in the fasting state. Dietary information was obtained by a questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of obesity was 9.9%. There was no significant difference between genders. The mean caloric intake was 1,781 kcal in boys and 1,640 kcal in girls. The prevalence of excessive calories was 33% in boys and 30% in girls. The prevalence of a total cholesterol ${\geq}$200 mg/dL was 8.4%, TG ${\geq}$130 mg/dL was 5.0%, LDL-cholesterol ${\geq}$130 mg/dL was 3.1%, and HDL-cholesterol <35 mg/dL was 4.4%. The prevalence of hypertension was 2.1%. There was no significant difference between genders. The systolic blood pressure, triglyceride levels and LDL-cholesterol were significantly related to an increased obesity index (p<0.05). The mean caloric intake and nutritive component were not related to the obesity index. The obesity group was compared to the control group: for triglycerides ${\geq}$130 mg/dL the odds ratio was 4.08; for LDL-cholesterol ${\geq}$130 mg the odds ratio was 2.85; for a TC/HDL-cholesterol ${\geq}$4.0 the odds ratio was 1.16. The BMI and triglyceride levels in the group with hypertension were higher than control group (p<0.05). There were significant positive correlations between the BMI and blood pressure as well as the LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides (p<0.05). The BMI was not correlated with the mean caloric intake or nutrition. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia in 6~7 year old children was significantly related to an increased obesity index. The management of obesity in 6~7 year old children should include a reduction in the risk for hyperlipidemia and hypertension.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.350-356
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• 2001

The purpose of this study is to verify the relation among vegetarian diet, physical activity and the risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Two hundred and forty five buddhist nuns (age : 23~79 yrs) were selected as vegetarians. For control subjects, 235 healthy female adults (age : 23~79 yrs) were selected. Study period was from October 1996 to February 1997. The contents are consist of food consumption survey, anthropometric measurement, amount of energy expenditure, physical activity and clinical examination. Results were summarized as follows : The average ages of vegetarians were $44.2{\pm}17.3\;yrs$ and those of non-vegetarians were $40.5{\pm}18.4\;yrs$. Average body mass indices (BMI) of vegetarians and non-vegetarians were $22.5{\pm}2.7\;and\;21.1{\pm}2.5$, WHRs were $0.9{\pm}0.1\;and\;0.8{\pm}0.1$, and the average duration of vegetarian diet of the vegetarians was 13.1{\pm}12.9 years. All the nutrient intakes of both groups were over RDA's except calcium and vitamin A intakes of non-vegetarians that were below RDA's Fiber and vitamin C intakes of the vegetarians were significantly higher than those of non-vegetarians (p<0.01). Average energy intakes of vegetarians and non-vegetarians were $2177.1{\pm}420.6\;kcal/day\;and\;2103.2{\pm}534.9\;kcal/day$, total daily energy expenditure were $1789.9{\pm}325.8\;kcal/day\;and\;1703.8{\pm}344.8\;kcal/day$, those by physical activity were $507.8{\pm}360.9\;kcal/day\;and\;400.0{\pm}247.8\;kcal/day$. Serum lipid level, blood sugar, systolic blood pressure of vegetarians were significantly lower than those of non-vegetarians, but ratio of HDL-cholesterol/total-cholesterol was higher than those of non-vegetarians. Levels of total serum cholesterol of vegetarians and non-vegetarians were 161.4{\pm}33.3 mg/dL and 189.6{\pm}33.6mg/dL, HDL-cholesterol were $48.2{\pm}11.4\;mg/dL\;and\;50.8{\pm}12.2\;mg/dL$, LDL-cholesterol were $86.6{\pm}26.9\;mg/dL\;and\;111.1{\pm}17.0\;mg/dL$, atherogenic indice(AI) were $2.4{\pm}0.6\;and\;2.9{\pm}0.7$, fasting blood sugar were $90.8{\pm}14.3\;mg/dL\;and\;103.6{\pm}24.6\;mg/dL$, systolic blood pressure were $107.5{\pm}14.9\;mmHg\;and\;119.3{\pm}15.3\;mmHg$. Energy expenditure by physical activity was negatively correlated with levels of serum total-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol and atherogenic indice(AI). Therefore, physical activity and vegetarian diet effectively helped reduce blood lipids related to cardiovascular disease.