• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.24 no.1 s.33
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• pp.37-44
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• 1991

In the plywood manufacturing factory established in 1979, female 3 workers who had exposed to adhesives containing formaldehyde for more than 48 months of duration suffered from eye, nasal, oral, throat and skin irritation and dyspnea as chief complaints. The actual level of the exposure to formaldehyde were not estimated when the exposed workers started to have above symptoms. The environmental monitoring of workplace was measured on April 25, 1990, and the concentration of formaldehyde revealed 0.2 ppm, however the exhaustive ventilatory system was already installed at that time. Twenty six subjects from entire factory were examined by questionnaire, physical examination and spirometry, etc. on August 22, 1990. Significant difference was observed in symptoms and signs of nasal, oral and throat irritation between the exposed group with longer duration and that with short duration. When the exposed group with longer duration was compared to the group of nonexposed, symptoms and signs of nasal, oral, throat and skin irritaion, chest tightness and dullness were significantly increased in the former group. The results of the spirometric test showed that the forced vital capacity and the forced expiratory volume at 1 second were decreased among the exposed group with longer duration but not significant.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.489-499
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• 1999

Background: The patient with bronchiectasis may have obstructive ventilatory impairment combined with mild restrictive ventilatory impairment due to fibrosis of surrounding lung parenchyme and pleural adhesions caused by chronic recurrent pulmonary infections. Since hyperinflation or emphysematous change can be occured in bronchiectasis, pulmonary functions such as lung volumes and diffusing capacity may also vary with associated emphysema. Methods: For the evaluation of lung volumes and diffusing capacity in bronchiectasis with respect to the anatomic types and severity of bronchiectasis, a total of 40 cases comprising 24 cases of tubular, and 16 cystic type of bronchiectasis were analyzed retrospectively. Correlation between lung functions and extent of bronchiectasis or associated emphysema detected in HRCT were also evaluated. Results: Vital capacity(VC) tended to decrease in cystic type than in tubular type. As the severity of bronchiectasis became serious, the VC were significantly reduced, whereas the total lung capacity(TLC), residual volume(RV) and its ratio to the total lung capacity(RV/TLC) had no significant difference. Lung clearance index(LCI) was significantly increased in cystic type than in tubular type, whereas the slope of phase III in single breath nitrogen curve($\triangle$N2/L) was not significantly changed regard to the type and severity of bronchiectasis. DLCO and DLCO/VA reflecting diffusing capacity were significantly decreased in cystic type and also as the severity of bronchiectasis became serious. The correlation coefficient of VC, DLCO and LCI with the extent of bronchiectasis were -0.322, -0.339 and 0.487, respectively, whereas other parameters were not significantly correlated with the extent of bronchiectasis. VC and DLCO correlated negatively with the extent of emphysema while RV, RV/TLC, LCI and $\triangle$N2/L correlated positively. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the reduction of VC and diffusing capacity or uneven distribution of inspired gas in bronchiectasis are related to both the extent of bronchiectasis and associated emphysema while increased residual volume be related to the extent of associated emphysema alone.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.846-855
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• 1999

Background : Secondary pulmonary hypertension is an important final endpoint in patients with chronic hypoxic lung disease, accompanied by deterioration of pulmonary hemodynamics. The clinical diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension and/or cor pulmonale could be difficult, and simple noninvasive evaluation of pulmonary artery pressures has been an relevant clinical challenge for many years. Doppler echocardiography might to be a more reliable method for evaluating pulmonary hemodynamics in such patients in terms of the accuracy, reproducibility and easiness for obtaining an appropriate echocardiographic window than M-mode echocardiography. The aim of this study was to assess echocardiographic parameters associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension, defined by increasing right ventricular systolic pressure(RVSP), calculated from trans-tricuspid gradient in patients with chronic hypoxic lungs. Method : We examined 19 patients with chronic hypoxic lung disease, suspected pulmonary hypertension under the clinical guidelines by two dimensional echocardiography via the left parasternal and subcostal approach in a supine position. Doppler echocardiography measured RVSP from tricuspid regurgitant velocity in continuous wave with 2.5MHz transducer and acceleration time(AT) on right ventricular outflow tract in pulsed wave for the estimation of pulmonary arterial pressure. Results : On echocardiography, moderate to severe degree of pulmonary arterial hypertension was defined as RVSP more than 40mmHg, presenting tricuspid regurgitation. Increased right ventricular endsystolic diameter and shortened AT were noted in the increased RVSP group. Increased RVSP was correlated negatively with the shortening of AT. Other clinical data, including pulmonary functional parameters, arterial blood gas analysis and M mode echocardiographic parameters were not changed significantly with the increased RVSP. Conclusion : These findings suggest that shortened AT on pulsed doppler can be useful when quantifying pulmonary arterial pressure with increased RVSP in patients with chronic lung disease with hypoxemia. Doppler echocardiography in pulmonary hypertension of chronic hypoxic lungs is an useful option, based on noninvasiveness under routine clinical practice.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.437-443
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• 2010

This study was designed to examine the aerobic capacity and ventilatory response during an incremental exercise in elite high school cyclists. Twelve boys ($17{\pm}1\;yr$, $175{\pm}5\;cm$, $70{\pm}9\;kg$) participated in anthropometric measurements, incremental exercise testing, and pulmonary function tests. During incremental exercise testing using a cycle ergometer, their maximal oxygen uptake ($VO_2max$), maximal power output, ventilation, ventilatory equivalents for oxygen ($V_E/VO_2$) and carbon dioxide ($V_E/VCO_2$), respiratory rate, and tidal volume were measured. Time variables such as inspiratory time (Ti), expiratory time (Te), breathing time (Tb), and inspiratory duty cycle (Ti/Tb), as well as inspiratory flow rate ($V_T$/Ti) were assessed. Pulmonary function of vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second ($FEV_1$), $FEV_1$/FVC, and peak expiratory flow were evaluated. Their $VO_2max$, maximal heart rate, and Wmax were $57.5{\pm}3.9\;ml{\cdot}kg^{-1}{\cdot}min^{-1}$, $194.1{\pm}8.6\;beat{\cdot}min^{-1}$, and 452 W, respectively. $VO_2max$ was not related to any anthropometric parameters. Most ventilatory variables progressively increased with exercise intensity. As intensity increased, Ti, Tb, Tb decreased while Ti/Tb was maintained. Below an intensity of 250 W, height, weight, body mass index, and body surface were highly correlated with $V_T$/Ti and Ti/Tb (p<0.05). Collectively, $VO_2max$ appeared to be lower than adult cyclists, suggesting a different pattern of ventilatory control as age advances. Morphological characteristics were not related to $VO_2max$ in the population. Time variables of ventilatory response seemed to be related only at an exercise intensity level of less than 250 W. $V_T$/Ti may be related to exercise endurance capacity, but Ti/Tb was similar to adult cyclists.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.570-578
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• 2001

Background: With cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), weight loss and low body weight have been found to correlate with increased mortality and poor prognosis. Therefore, nutritional aspects are an important part of the treatment in cases of COPD. In Korea, there is only limited data available for the changes of resting pulmonary function in relation to nutritional status. This study was carried out to investigate the differences of resting pulmonary function in relation to the nutritional status of patients with COPD. Method : 83 stable patients, with moderate to severe COPD, were clinically assessed for their nutritional status and resting pulmonary function. The patients' nutritional status was evaluated by body weight and fat-free mass (FFM), which was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. According to their nutritional status, the 83 patients were divided into two groups, designated as the depleted, and non-depleted, groups. Result : Of the 83 patients, 31% were characterized by body weight loss and depletion of FFM, whereas 28% had either weight loss or depleted FFM. In the depleted group, significantly lower peak expiratory flow rate(p<0.05) and Kco(p<0.01), but significantly higher airway resistance(Raw, p<0.05) were noted. There was no difference for the non-depleted group in forced expiratory volume at one second, residual volume, inspiratory vital capacity, or total lung capacity. Maximal inspiratory pressure($P_{Imax}$) was also significantly lower in the depleted group(p<0.05). Conclusion : We conclude, from our clinical studies, that nutritional depletion is significantly associated with the change in resting pulmonary function for patients with moderate to severe COPD.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.54-66
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• 2000

Background: Pneumoconiosis, like other chronic respiratory diseases, is essentially incurable and, for many, progressive. While improved survival time is an important aim of treatment, there is growing recognition that for some people, improving the quality of life is more important than extending the length of life. Currently the measurement of the quality of life is used to assess the efficacy of therapeutic agents. Methods: Sixty-three pnemoconiotics who were admitted to St. Mary's Hospital between April and August 1999 were interviewed using COOP charts, Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire(CRQ) and Pneumoconiotic Respiratory Questionnaire(PRQ), a newly developed questionnaire concerning clinical and socioeconomic features of pneumoconiotics. Also, ILO classification of the chest film, pulmonary function test, and arterial blood gas analysis of the patients were evaluated. The scores between Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance(IACI) covered and uncovered patients and between clinically stable and unstable patients were compared. Results: Domains of CRQ and PRQ showed a high internal consistency reliability($\alpha$=0.86-0.89, 0.77-0.81) except the dyspnea domain($\alpha$=0.63) of CRQ. The scores on the CRQ and PRQ showed statistically significant correlations with the results of COOP charts, pulmonary function test and arterial blood gas analysis. The dyspnea domain and social activity domain of the PRQ showed significant difference between IACI covered and uncovered patients and between clinically stable and unstable patients. Conclusion : Korean translation of the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire and the newly developed Pneumoconiotic Respiratory Questionnaire are reliable and valid methods and are likely to be useful in measuring the quality of life in patients with the chronic respiratory disease including pneumoconiosis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.40-50
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• 2004

Background : Radiation pneumonitis(RP) is the major serious complication of thoracic irradiation treatment. In this study, we attempted to retrospectively evaluate the long-term prognosis of patients who experienced acute RP and to identify factor that might allow prediction of RP. Methods : Of the 114 lung cancer patients who underwent thoracic radiotherapy between December 2000 and December 2002, We performed analysis using a database of 90 patients who were capable of being evaluated. Results : Of the 44 patients(48.9%) who experienced clinical RP in this study, the RP was mild in 33(36.6%) and severe in 11(12.3%). All of severe RP were treated with corticosteroids. The median starting corticosteroids dose was 34 mg(30~40) and median treatment duration was 68 days(8~97). The median survival time of the 11 patients who experienced severe RP was significantly poorer than the mild RP group. (p=0.046) The higher total radiation dose(${\geq}60Gy$) was significantly associated with developing in RP.(p=0.001) The incidence of RP did not correlate with any of the ECOG performance, pulmonary function test, age, cell type, history of smoking, radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy, once-daily radiotherapy dose fraction. Also, serum albumin level, uric acid level at onset of RP did not influence the risk of severe RP in our study. Conclusion : Only the higher total radiation dose(${\geq}60Gy$) was a significant risk factor predictive of RP. Also severe RP was an adverse prognostic factor.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.45-49
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• 2019

Purpose Lung Ventilation Scan(LVS) images directly inhaled radiation gas to evaluate lung ventilation ability. Therefore, it is influenced by various factors related to inhalation, including number of breaths, respiratory duration, respiration rate, and breathing method. In actual LVS examinations, it is difficult for objectify the patient's ability to inhale, and there is currently no known index related to inhalation. Therefore, this study confirms the correlation between counts per second(cps) in LVS and the results of pulmonary function test(PFT) and evaluate its usefulness as an objective indicator of inhalation. Materials and Methods From October 2010 to September 2018, 36 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD) patients who had both LVS and PFT were classified by severity(Mild, Moderate, Severe). LVS was performed by creating Technegas with Vita Medical's Technegas Generator and inhaling it to the patient. LVS images were acquired with Philips's Forte equipment., and PFT used Carefusion's Vmax Encore 22. The correlation between the cps measured by setting the region of interest(ROI) of both lungs on the LVS and the forced vital capacity(FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second($FEV_1$), $FEV_1/FVC$ of the results of PFT was compared and analyzed. Results We analyzed the correlation between cps of LVS using Technegas and the results of PFT by classifying COPD patients according to severity. Correlation coefficient between $FEV_1/FVC$ and cps was Severe -0.773, Moderate -0.750, and Mild -0.437. The Severe and Modulate result values were statistically significant(P<0.05) and Mild was not significant(P=0.155). On the other hand, the correlation coefficient between FVC and cps was statistically significant only in Mild and it was 0.882(P<0.05). Conclusion According to the study, we were able to analyze correlation between cps of LVS using Technegas and the results of PFT in COPD Patients. Using this result, when performing a LVS, the results of PFT can be used as an index of inhaling capacity. In addition, it is thought that it will be more effective for the operation of the exam rooms.

• Phonetics and Speech Sciences
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.69-76
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• 2019

This study aimed to investigate the effects of vocal aerobic treatment (VAT) on the improvement of voice in patients with voice disorders. Twenty patients (13 males, 7 females) were diagnosed with voice disorders on the basis of videostroboscopy and voice evaluations. Acoustic evaluation was performed with the Multidimensional voice program (MDVP) and Voice Range Profile (VRP) of Computerized Speech Lab (CSL), and aerodynamic evaluation with PAS (Phonatory Aerodynamic System). The changes in F0, Jitter, Shimmer, and NHR before and after treatment were measured by MDVP. F0 range and Energy range were measured with VRP before and after treatment, and the changes in Expiratory Volume (FVC), Phonation Time (PHOT), Mean Expiratory Airflow (MEAF), Mean Peak Air Pressure (MPAP), and Aerodynamic Efficiency (AEFF) with PAS. Videostroboscopy was performed to evaluate the regularity, symmetry, mucosal wave, and amplitude changes of both vocal cords before and after treatment. Voice therapy was performed once a week for each patient using the VAT program in a holistic voice therapy approach. The average number of treatments per patient was 6.5. In the MDVP, Jitter, Shimmer, and NHR showed statistically significant decreases (p < .001, p < .01, p < .05). VRP results showed that Hz and semitones in the frequency range improved significantly after treatment (p < .01, p < .05), as did PAS, FVC, and PHOT (p < .01, p < .001). The results for videostroboscopy, functional voice disorder, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and benign vocal fold lesions were normal. Thus, the VAT program was found to be effective in improving the acoustic and aerodynamic aspects of the voice of patients with voice disorders. In future studies, the effect of VAT on the same group of voice disorders should be studied. It is also necessary to investigate subjective voice improvement and objective voice improvement. Furthermore, it is necessary to examine the effects of VAT in professional voice users.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.248-259
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• 2001

Background : In diagnosis or monitor of the airway obstruction in bronchial asthma, the measurement of $FEV_1$ in the standard method because of its reproducibility and accuracy. But the measurement of peak expiratory flow(PEF) by peak flow meter is much simpler and easier than that of $FEV_1$ especially in children. Yet there have been still no data of the predicted normal values of PEF measured by peak flow meter in Korean children. This study was conducted to provide equations to predict the normal value of PEF and correlation between PEF and $FEV_1$ in healthy children. Method : PEF was measured by MiniWright peak flow meter, and the forced expiratory volume and the maximum expiratory flow volume curves were measured by Microspiro HI 501(Chest Co.) in 346 healthy children(age:5-16 years, 194 boys and 152 girls) without any respiratory symptoms during 2 weeks before the study. The regression equations for various ventilatory parameters according to age and/or height, and the regression equations of $FEV_1$ by PEF were derived. Results : 1. The regression equation for PEF(L/min) was: $12.6{\times}$age(year)+$3.4{\times}$height(cm)-263($R^2=0.85$) in boys, and $6{\times}$age(year)+$3.9{\times}$height(cm)-293($R^2=0.82$) in girls. 2. The value of FEFmax(L/sec) derived from the maximum expiratory flow volume curves was multiplied by 60 to compare with PEF(L/min), and PEF was faster by 125 L/min in boys and 118 L/min in girls, respectively. 3. The regression equation for $FEV_1$(ml) by PEF(L/min) was:$7{\times}$PEF-550($R^2=0.82$) in boys, and $5.8{\times}$PEF-146 ($R^2=0.81$) in girls, respectively. Conclusion : This study provides regression equations predicting the normal values of PEF by age and/or height in children. And the equations for $FEV_1$, a gold standard of ventilatory function, was predicted by PEF. So, in taking care of children with airway obstruction, PEF measured by the peak flow meter can provide useful information.