• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.37 no.7
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• pp.858-868
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• 2008

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Gastrodiae Rhizoma powder on plasma lipid profiles in elderly volunteers with hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes or heart disease. 32 elderly people, 11 males and 21 females aged $60{\sim}77$ years, were given Gastrodiae Rhizoma powder 15 g twice daily for 6 months. We investigated the antheropometric data, general characteristics and dietary habit by using questionnaires. Fasting blood samples were collected from the subjects before and after this 6 months intervention study. Blood pressure, glucose, hemoglobin and lipid levels of plasma, atherogenic index (AI) and cardiac risk factors (CRF, LHR, HTR) were determined before and after consumption of Gastrodiae Rhizoma powder. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the male and female subjects were 22.4 and 23.6, respectively. The percent of ideal body weight (PIBW) of males and females were 105.6% and 122.3%, respectively. The subjects had decreased intake frequency of fish and meat in their dietary habit. After consumption of Gastrodiae Rhizoma powder, there were no significant differences in blood pressure; however, the blood glucose significantly decreased with Gastrodiae Rhizoma intake in the males. In the subjects, the levels of plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL-cholesterol were decreased by the consumption of Gastrodiae Rhizoma powder; while the levels of plasma LDL-cholesterol was significantly decreased in female. Blood pressure and biochemical assessment (blood glucose, hemoglobin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL-cholesterol) of the subjects were within the normal range. It was found that AI, CRF and LHR were significantly decreased by Gastrodiae Rhizoma intake. The present results indicate that dietary supplementation of Gastrodiae Rhizoma improved lipid metabolism and cardiac risk factor in cardiovascular disease.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.167-172
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• 2006

Purpose : Palpable lymph nodes are common in the pediatric population, and most of them are either inflammatory or congenital. As the diagnostic evaluation, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is known to be more convenient and economical than tissue biopsy. We evaluated the usefulness of FNAC in children and adolescents. Methods : Four hundred and thirteen FNAC samples(M : F=1 : 1.15) were retrospectively analyzed in patients who were brought to Inha University Hospital, from August 1999 to August 2004. Results : The most common age group was 16-20 years of age(N=148, 35.8 percent). The cervical area was the most frequently involved site(N=310, 75 percent). Non-specific lymphadenitis was the most common(N=227, 54.9 percent), followed by the benign neoplasm(N=59, 14.2 percent). Malignant tumors were 18 cases(4.3 percent), and congenital diseases were found in 10 cases(2.4 percent). In inflammatory lesions, tuberculous lymphadenitis(N=22, 5.3 percent) was the most common with a histologic sensitivity of 90.9 percent. The peripheral blood and serologic studies were non-specific. Fifty nine percent(N=244) of lymphadenitis improved without specific management. Antibiotics were prescribed in 15.2 percent of lymphadenitis and lymphadenectomy was performed in 12.6 percent. Conclusion : Most of the enlarged lymph nodes in children and adolescents were benign. These results show FNAC is a safe, rapid and reliable diagnostic procedure for the appropriate differential diagnosis of enlarged lymph nodes in children and adolescents.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.13-25
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• 1999

Background: Ineffective cell-mediated immune response in human tuberculosis is associated with a depressed Thl cytokine response and reduced production of IFN-$\gamma$. Most persons infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis are healthy tuberculin reactors with protective immunity, but a minority with ineffective immunity develop extensive pulmonary tuberculosis. The cell-mediated immune response is an important aspect of host resistance to mycobacterial infection and is believed to be tightly regulated by a balance between Th1 cytokines including IFN-$\gamma$, IL-12, IL-18, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) and Th2 counterparts such as IL-4, monocyte chemoattractant protein-l (MCP-l). Methods: Proliferation and mRNA expression of IFN-$\gamma$, RANTES and MCP-l by RT-PCR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in response to in vitro stimulation with mycobacterial antigens were compared in pulmonary tuberculosis patients with cured and treatment failure and in tuberculin-positive and tuberculin-negative healthy subjects. Results: Defective proliferative responsiveness to aqueous TSP antigen was involved with treatment failure tuberculosis patients. Aqueous TSP antigen-induced IFN-$\gamma$ and RANTES mRNA expression was decreased in treatment failure tuberculosis patients compared with healthy tuberculin reactors and cured tuberculosis patients (23.1 % versus 90.0% for IFN-$\gamma$ and 46.2% versus 70.0% versus 46.2% for RANTES). The frequency of MCP-l mRNA expression to aqueous TSP antigen in treatment failure tuberculosis patients was greater than in healthy tuberculin reactors and cured tuberculosis patients (76.9% versus 40.0%). Conclusion: The increasing expression of MCP-1 mRNA in response to aqueous TSP antigen might be predicted to favor Th1 responses and restricted Th1 responses in treatment failure of pulmonary tuberculosis.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.41-50
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• 2007

Purpose : Dialysis in children with chronic renal failure presents with many difficulies. The purpose of this study is to find an improved method in chronic dialysis in infants and children less than 2 years of age by analyzing the experience with 10 cases. Methods : A retrospective review of the medical records of 10 patients(6 boys and 4 girls) was conducted. The patients had chronic renal failure and underwent chronic dialysis at Samsung medical center from March 1999 to February 2007. Results : At Initiation of dialysis, the median age was 3 months old(22 days-20 months), the median body weight was 3.75 kg(2.2-10.3 kg), and the median serum creatinine level was 4.3 mg/dL(2.0-11.4 mg/dL). The median duration of dialysis was 29.5 months(3-62 months). Dysplastic kidney disease was the most common underlying renal disease. Two patients were treated with hemodialysis, 4 patients with peritoneal dialysis, and 4 patients eventually switched dialysis modality. Nine of the 10 patients took erythropoietin and anti-hypertensive drugs. At the end of the follow up period, 1 patient received kidney transplantation, 2 patients died due to sepsis, and 5 patients were treated with peritoneal dialysis. Two patients were lost to follow up. The most common complication of dialysis was infection. Achieving vascular access and maintaining proper catheter function were the most important factors in treating patients with hemodialysis. The growth status of patients was aggravated after 6 month of dialysis but improved after 1 year of dialysis. Patients showed better growth on peritoneal dialysis than hemodialysis. Conclusion : Chronic dialysis can be performed successfully in infants and children under 2 years of age. Vascular access was the main limitation of hemodialysis, and infection was the common problem in both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. To improve the patients survival rate and quality of life, major efforts should be directed toward the prevention of infection and preservation of catheter function. (J Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2007;11:41-50)

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.437-444
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• 2009

Ultrasonography has been used as a basic examination of a medical check up for prevention and diagnostics of diseases. Even the person who has no particular subjective symptoms can have a variety of diseases. Especially fatty liver is found in many cases. In this study, we tested 3582 persons who are in between the ages of 15 to 81 and observed that 1390 persons had fatty liver while 2192 persons are normal. We classified the grade of fatty liver and compared their life styles with the results of liver function test and BMI. The results are as follows. Ratio of the subjects who had a fatty liver is 38.8%. Male and female ratio was 46.2% and 24.2%. On the correlation among the fatty liver, the body mass index and the body fat%, the average value of body mass index and body fat% were significantly higher in the group of the fatty liver than in those of the normal liver. The influence of the related factor and the correlation on the fatty liver was shown that it was more related with the order of age, body mass index, triglyceride, ALT, body fat%, sex, HDL-Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol, and GGT. The result of the ultrasonography carried out for the purpose of regular health check up indicates that even the 38.8% of those who was diagnosed as normal condition could have the fatty liver and have possibility of other diseases. Therefore, if there are any troubles related to liver function and lipid through hematologic examination or when practicing follow-up study with ultrasonography concerning the correlation relation between the body fat% and dietary preference, alcohol consumption and exercise, the ultrasonography is definitely useful for prevention and treatment of diseases.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.200-207
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• 2003

Purpose : Malaria is known to have been eradicated for a few decades through persistent national health program in South Korea. However, malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax has started to reappear incidiously among military personnel near to DMZ since 1993. After then, the number of malarial cases have been increased abruptly year by year. We analyzed the children of indigenous malaria who were diagnosed by peripheral blood smear and malarial antibody test with regards to epidemiologic and clinical manifestations. Methods : The study 13 cases below 15 years of age, who were confirmed as vivax malaria during from January 2000 to August 2003. We retrospectively analyzed epidemiologic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings and therapeutic responses. Results : All of 13 cases were indigenous and tested positive for Plasmodium vivax. Of 13 patients, 9 were male and 4 were female. Mean age of onset was $9.5{\pm}3.6$ years old. Ilsan(n=9) was the most prevalent area, the most patients(n=11) were presented in summer (from June to August). A characteristic feature of periodic 3 day fever in patients with P.vivax infection was reported in only 2 among 13 cases. Thrombocytopenia was most prominent findings, which was accompanied by 12 of 13 patients and pancytopenia was appeared in 3 patients on this study. The therapeutic responses of hydroxycholoquine were very good in all cases, and abnormal laboratory findings were recovered and no relapse during follow-up period. Conclusion : Vivax malaria is indigenous in Korea near to DMZ, but recently endemic area seemed to be extended southward. Plasmodium vivax is the cause of indigenous malaria of children. As for children with high fever accompanying thrombocytopenia in endemic area of Korea, malaria must be included in differential diagnosis whether the type of fewer is periodic 3 day fever or not. Malaria antibody test is helpful as a screening test for malaria.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.110-114
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• 2007

Purpose: This study evaluate clinical findings & management of rhabdomyolysis after strenuous activities in military police recruit. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out from June $1^{st}$, 2004 and May $23^{nd}$, 2005. The study subjects were 13 military police recruit patients who were admitted to our hospital with intractable muscle pain and swelling, and had suspicions of Rhabdomyolysis. The patients were given various blood tests (CPK, CK-MB, AST, BUN/Cr, and Electrolyte) and clinically observed. The patients were all males, and their average age was 20 $(19\sim21)$ years. Seven cases were due to push-up exercises, 5 was due to a soccer game, and 1 was due to riot control activities. The patients complained of swelling and tenderness in various parts of the extremities. Four complained of swelling and tenderness in forearm, 3 in upper arm, 1 in shoulder, and 5 in lower extremity. The diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis was made if the patient complained clinical symptom and had a blood CPK level of above 1,000 IU/L at the time of admission. Patients who took medication or had medical problem were excluded from this study. Bone scans were taken of all patients 4 hours after giving 99mTc-MDP 20mCi intravenously. Treatment was bed rest and fluid therapy. Patients who complained of excessive pain were given splint immobilization. Results: The average hospitalization day for the 13 patients was 20 days ($14\sim42$ days). Excluding one patient who exhibited ARF at time of admission, all patients showed a decrease of blood CPK below 1000 IU/L at an average hospitalization time of 8 days ($2\sim11$ days). The patient with ARF recovered after hemodialysis and fluid therapy. Conclusion: Patients complaining of swelling and severe muscle pain after excessive exercise or training should be suspicious of exercise induced rhabdomyolysis, and should be given blood tests and fluid therapy immediately.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.63-72
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• 2003

Although a variety of synthetic vascular grafts are available in modern vascular surgery, no ideal prosthesis ha,4 yet been developed. Small-caliber vascular grafts with low flow, as used in the lower extremity, continue to become thrombosed at unacceptable rates. We have developed and evaluated the new antithrombogenic blood contacting surfaces in canine model. Material and Method: Two now antithrombogenic blood contacting surfaces(Polyvinylalcohol -Polyurethane(PVA-PU) blend and natural Graphite-polyurethane(G-PU) blend) have been developed and evaluated in canine model, using vascular grafts and patches. The luminal surfaces of the test vascular grafts(5 mm ID) were fabricated by dipping a glass rod in PVA-PU blend solution(50 % PVA) using phase separation method. Mongrel dogs of either sex weighing 18-22 kg were anesthetized by endotracheal intubation using halothane and their lungs were ventilated with a volume-cycled ventilator, Maintenance anesthesia with 0.5-1.0% halothane and supplemental oxygen was used. Two pairs were used for comparison in the bilateral femoral arteries for both vascular grafts(PVA-PU vs. PU) and vascular patches(G-PU vs. PU). Bilateral groin incisions were made and the arteries were exposed and clamped. After an excision of 1 cm of the artery between clamps, a grail of 2.5 cm in length was implanted end-to-end using 6-0 polypropylene suture. The vascular patch was implanted as a form of on-lay patch. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 16 weeks for vascular grafts and 1, 2. 4 and 6 weeks for vascular patches. Result The vascular grafts of PVA-PU blends showed patent lumina in the 2 and 16 weeks animals, while those of PU showed a patent lumen in 2 weeks animal. PVA-PU graft of 16 weeks showed a fairly clean luminal surface. A light microscopic finding of this graft demonstrated good tissue infiltration through porosity, The animals with vascular patches showed patent arteries in both groups except 2 weeks animal. Scanning electron microscopy of the luminal surfaces of G-PU patches in 4 and 6 weeks animals showed endothelial cell covering with microvilli. PU patches showed qualitatively less endothelial cell covering. Conclusion: In conclusion, PVA-PU and G-PU blends can be a promising blood contacting surfaces for application in a synthetic vascualr graft. However, further animal study is needed to determine the real long-term effects of these methods of surface modifications.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.6
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• pp.625-630
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• 2006

Background: Pulmonary hypertension in COPD patients is the result of a direct effect of tobacco smoke on the intrapulmonary vessels with the abnormal production of the mediators that control vasoconstriction, vasodilatation, and vascular cell proliferation, which ultimately lead to aberrant vascular remodeling and physiology. COPD patients are prone to the developmint of an acute and chronic thromboembolism with an elevation of the plasma procoagulant and fibrinolytic markers However, the roles of the coagulation and fibrinolysis system on the right ventricular dysfunction in COPD patients are not well defined. We examined the alteration of the coagulation and fibrinolysis system in COPD patients according to the right ventricular function measured using cardiac multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Methods: The right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) was measured using cardiac MDCT in 26 patients who were diagnosed with COPD according to the definition of the GOLD guideline. The plasma level of thrombin antithrombin (TAT) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 were measured using an enzyme linked immunoassay. Results: The plasma TAT was markedly elevated in COPD patients ($10.5{\pm}19.8{\mu}g/L$) compared with those of the control ($3.4{\pm}2.5{\mu}g/L$) (p<0.01). However, the plasma PAI-1 in COPD patients ($29.6{\pm}20.7ng/mL$) was similar to that in the controls. The plasma TAT showed a significant inverse relationship with the RVEF measured by the cardiac MDCT in COPD patients (r=-0.645, p<0.01). However, the plasma PAI-1 did not show a relationship with the RVEF (r=0.022, p=0.92). Conclusion: These results suggest that the coagulation system in COPD patients is markedly activated, and that the plasma level of TAT might be a marker of a right ventricular dysfunction in COPD patients.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.165-172
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• 2023

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a significant difference in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio according to the history of suicide attempt in patients with psychiatric diseases. Methods : A medical record review was conducted on patients who had been hospitalized in Konyang University Hospital since 2021-03-01 to 2023-02-28 to collect demographic and clinical characteristics. T-test for continuous variables and Chi-square test for categorical variables were performed to determine demographic differences according to the history of suicide attempt, and the ANCOVA test was performed to compare the average value of peripheral inflammatory marker according to the history of suicide attempt with gender and age as covariates. One-way variance analysis was performed to determine whether the number of suicide attempt causes significant difference of the peripheral inflammatory marker. Results : The final analysis target of this study was 266 patients, 101 had history of suicide attempt, and 165 had no history of suicide attempt. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (p<0.001) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (p<0.001) were higher in patients with the history of suicide attempt than patients without the history of suicide attempt, but the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio were not significantly increased depending on the serial increase of number of suicide attempts. Conclusions : This study suggests that peripheral inflammatory markers are meaningful and easily accessible indicators for predicting the risk of suicide attempt in psychiatric patients. We expect that prospective follow-up study will be conducted with more subjects and controlled potential confounding variables.