• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.40 no.3 s.272
• /
• pp.168-179
• /
• 2007

Background: The recent trend of an increasing number of patients with acute cardiogenic shock or chronic congestive heart failure following myocardial infarction, as well as the considerable number who can not be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass after open heart surgery, call for immediate efforts to develop affordable ventricular assist devices that are suitable for the Korean physique. Recently, a pneumatic pulsatile ventricular assist device (VAD), named DKUH-75, has been developed by the Department of Biomedical Engineering, in collaboration with the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery of Dankook University College of Medicine. The feasibility of the DKUH-75 VAD was evaluated on the bases of common hemodynamic variables and echocardiographic measurements in pigs, which are subjected to an acute cardiogenic shock state following myocardial infarction, using a novel coronary artery ligation method employing the ischemic preconditioning concept. Material and Method: Acute cardiogenic shock was induced in 10 Yorkshire Landrace Duroc strain pigs by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery via an ischemic preconditioning process. The hemodynamic variables were monitored, with epicardial echocardiographic measurements performed before and one hour after the ligation. The DKUH-75 VAD was implanted into 5 pigs one hour after the onset of the shock. The hemodynamic variables and echocardiographic measurements were taken one hour after installation of the VAD. Result: The systolic, diastolic and mean systemic arterial pressures were significantly decreased in all the experimental animals one hour after the ligation. The systolic, diastolic and mean pulmonary arterial pressures were increased (Eds note: this completely contradicts the preceding statement? However, if you mean the non-experimental animals this should be stated?). The left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was increased, but the cardiac index decreased, An increase in the left ventricular end systolic dimension and decreases in the fractional shortening and ejection fraction were observed all animals one hour after the coronary artery ligation. In all 5 of the VAD implanted pigs, the systolic and mean systemic arterial pressures were increased, and the pulmonary arterial pressures decreased one hour after the implantation; the LVEDP decreased, but the cardiac index was significantly increased, In the echocardiographic measurements, the left ventricular end systolic dimension decreased after the implantation of the VAD, but the fractional shortening and ejection fraction significantly increased. Conclusion: Significant improvements in the hemodynamic variables and echocardiographic measurements were observed in the 5 VAD implanted animals one hour after installation, which had been subjected to an acute cardiogenic shock state by ligation of the coronary artery, indicating that the DKUH-75 VAD could help in the recovery of the myocardial function. This suggests that the DKUH-75 VAD is feasible in the short term in relation to an acute cardiogenic shock state due to myocardial infarction.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.33 no.8
• /
• pp.1057-1065
• /
• 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic inflammatory disease, results from dysregulation of the immune responses. Some lactic acid bacteria (LAB), including Lactobacillus, alleviate IBD through immunomodulation. In this study, the anti-colitis effect of LAB isolated from human breast milk was investigated in a mouse model induced acute colitis with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). TNBS remarkably increased weight loss, colon shortening, and colonic mucosal proliferation, as well as the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1β. Oral administration of LAB isolated from human breast milk resulted in a reduction in TNBS-induced colon shortening, as well as induced cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). In addition, LAB suppressed inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, and thus showed an effect of suppressing the level of inflammation induced by TNBS. Furthermore, LAB alleviated gut microbiota dysbiosis, and inhibited intestinal permeability by increasing the expression of intestinal tight junction protein including ZO-1. Collectively, these results suggest that LAB isolated from human breast milk can be used as a functional food for colitis treatment by regulating NF-κB signaling, gut microbiota and increasing expression of intestinal tight junction protein.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.53 no.7
• /
• pp.745-752
• /
• 2010

Purpose: There is currently little evidence to support intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) therapy for pediatric myocarditis. The purpose of our retrospective study was to assess the effects of IVIG therapy in patients with presumed myocarditis on survival and recovery of ventricular function and to determine the factors associated with its poor outcome. Methods: We reviewed all consecutive cases of patients with myocarditis with left ventricular dysfunction verified by echocardiogram who had visited 3 university hospitals between January 2000 and September 2009. These patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 23 patients (69.6%) who received IVIG alone or IVIG in combination with steroids, and group 2 consisted of 10 patients (30.3%) who received neither IVIG nor other immunosuppressive agents. Clinical manifestations, laboratory results, echocardiographic findings, and outcomes were compared between these 2 groups. Results: One year after the initial presentation, the difference in the probability of survival did not show statistical significance in IVIGtreated patients ($P$=0.607). Of the echocardiographic parameters on admission, a shortening fraction of less than 15% was associated with unremitting cardiac failure. Furthermore, anemic patients were more likely to have elevated N-terminal fragment levels of the B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the progressed group ($P$=0.036). Conclusion: There was no difference between the IVIG-treated patients and the control patients in the degree of recovery of left ventricular function and survival. Prospective, randomized, clinical studies are needed to elucidate the effects of IVIG treatment during the acute stage of myocarditis on ultimate outcomes.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.63 no.1
• /
• pp.14-25
• /
• 2020

Proximal flow control achieved with a balloon guide catheter (BGC) during endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke is reviewed in this article. In clinical practice, BGCs offer a multi-faceted approach for clot retrieval by creating proximal flow arrest, reducing embolic burden, and shortening procedure time. Evaluation of frontline thrombectomy procedures with BGCs revealed advantages of combined use over the conventional guide catheter (CGC), notably in the significant reduction of distal emboli to both the affected and previously unaffected territories. Recently, new measures of early and complete reperfusion at first thrombectomy pass have been identified as independent predictors of improved outcomes, which were consistently demonstrated with use of BGC as a safe and effective option to minimize number of passes during intervention. Prior randomized controlled trials reported the positive correlation between BGC-treated patients and a lower risk of mortality as well as shortened procedure time. While BGC use is more common in stent retriever-mediated mechanical thrombectomy, preliminary data has shown the potential benefit of device application during contact aspiration thrombectomy to achieve successful recanalization. However, the question of which major endovascular strategy reigns superior as a frontline remains to be answered. Along with clinical case assessments, BGC performance during in-vitro simulation was analyzed to further understand mechanisms for optimization of thrombectomy technique.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.279-285
• /
• 1995

Extradural block is a form of treatment described as early as the beginning of the present centuries. It has since had positive criticism from a number of authors in different countries. Epidural injections of steroids with or without local anesthetic have become an occasional method of conservative treatment in sciatica & lumbago, especially in acute case. We assess the results of continuous epidural block with steroids and local anesthetics in sciatica & lumbago. From July 1994 to June 1995, we treated 46 case of lumbago and sciatica using continuous epidural block with steroids and local anesthetics. After placement of 17-Gauge Tuohy needle in the epidural space by the technique of loss of resistance, 0.25% bupivacaine 5 cc and triamcinolone 40 mg was administered and then epidural catheter was placed and connected to multiday infusor(Paragon) using 1% lidocaine with continuous infusion rate of 1 ml/hour. Usually, the catheter was removed after 1~2 weeks and then treated with the physical therapy. At the time of patient's discharge, 69.5% of all cases showed excellent or good results. Of particular note, 26 of the 46 cases were followed up by telephone. At present, in using Of particular note, 26 of the 46 cases were followed up by telephone. At present, in using continuous epidural block procedure, a relief in symptoms showed in 65.5% of these 26 cases. Continuous epidural block provides shortening of the recovery time from pain, avoidance of long period bed rest and early physical therapy and exercise. Therefore, continuous epidural block is simple and safe in the treatment of lumbago and sciatica, especially in acute phase.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.91-94
• /
• 2018

Ankle sprain is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries. Although most ankle sprains respond well to conservative measures, chronic instability following an acute sprain has been reported to occur in 20% to 40% of patients. Some individuals are eventually indicated for a lateral ankle ligament reconstruction due to persistent ankle instability. More than 80 surgical procedures have been described to address lateral ankle stability. These range from direct repair of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and of the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) to reconstructions based on the use of autograft or allograft tissues. However, the best surgical option remains debatable. The modified $Brostr{\ddot{o}}m$ procedure is most widely used for direct ligament repair, but not always possible because of the poor ATFL or CFL quality or deficiency of these ligaments, which prevents effective shortening imbrication. Furthermore, the importance of a CFL reconstruction has been emphasized recently. On the other hand, it is difficult to achieve an efficient CFL reconstruction during the $Brostr{\ddot{o}}m$ procedure. Others have reported that an anatomic reconstruction of injured ligaments restores the normal resistance to anterior translation and inversion without restricting subtalar or ankle motion, and as a result, anatomic reconstructions for lateral ankle instability utilizing an autograft or allograft tendon have gained popularity.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.28 no.11
• /
• pp.1800-1805
• /
• 2018

Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a chronically relapsing inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) constitute barrier surfaces and play a critical role in maintaining gut health. Dysregulated immune responses and destruction of IECs disrupt intestinal balance. Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) is the most widely used chemical for inducing colitis in animals, and its treatment induces colonic inflammation, acute diarrhea, and shortening of the intestine, with clinical and histological similarity to human UC. Current treatments for this inflammatory disorder have poor tolerability and insufficient therapeutic efficacy, and thus, alternative therapeutic approaches are required. Recently, dietary supplements with probiotics have emerged as promising interventions by alleviating disturbances in the indigenous microflora in UC. Thus, we hypothesized that the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strain BB12 could protect against the development of colitis in a DSS-induced mouse model of UC. In the present study, oral administration of BB12 markedly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis, accompanied by reduced tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$-mediated IEC apoptosis. These findings indicate that the probiotic strain BB12 can alleviate DSS-induced colitis and suggest a novel mechanism of communication between probiotic microorganisms and intestinal epithelia, which increases intestinal cell survival by modulating pro-apoptotic cytokine expression.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
• /
• v.2 no.1
• /
• pp.99-114
• /
• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to introduce the Chuna Manual Therapy (CMT) using Bong (a type of stick which is called 'bong') as a part of Oriental Medicine. Methods : We searched several traditional methods of CMT using Bong, either individual contact to specialist of CMT using Bong or referred to publications, and summarized briefly for introduction. Authors also made a comparative study between existing CMT and CMT using the bong. Results & Conclusions : The indications of Bong CMT are regarded as acute or chronic pain syndrome, whiplash associated disorders, facet syndrome, vertebral misalignment, chronic fatigue syndrome, obesity and also lower extremity length difference caused by malalignment of vertebrae and pelvic bone. The Meridian Muscle Therapy by pressing down using the Bong can be carried out on the imbalances of the muscle by shortening and lengthening contraction. CMT with Bong is considered more effective than other existing CMT in terms of effectiveness. In the case of pelvic correction which needs a tremendous amount of force, it can reduce the force required effectively. This fact can be inferred by the theory of composition and decomposition of force during the transmission of power. We can perform Bong CMT feeling less fatigued subsequently than general CMT. Pressing down with flexed fingers to grip bong acts on the contraction of flexor digiti and extensor digiti muscle, this protects the $doctor^{\circ}{\emptyset}s$ wrist joints from injury. The bong which acts as a tool between the doctor and the patient, while being given treatment, absorbs and spreads out the direct impact from the patient to the doctor. CMT with Bong is able to apply to both existing massage therapies with the hand. The bong appliance can be used in all applications, particularly, but not limited to; Orthopedic and Manual Correction Therapy, Meridian Muscle Pressing, Exercise Therapy, and Meridian Point Manual Pressing Therapy. CMT with Bong belongs to the category of oriental rehabilitation and Chuna manual medicine.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.173-178
• /
• 2017

Purpose: Most patients with acute low back pain visit emergency room (ER). They mostly need beds, and if their length of stay is longer, it can become difficult to accommodate new patients at the ER. We analyzed the treatment process of patients with back pain and tried to find method for shortening of the length of stay at the ER. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients with back pain who visited at our ER for one year. Patients were divided into two groups according to their length of stay at ER and were compared the charateristcs of between two groups. Results: A total of 274 patients were included in the study. Eigthy-nine patients (32.5%) were in the group with less than 3 hours and 185 patients (67.5%) were in the other group. In the comparison of the two groups according to the medical departments, the number of patients who were in group with more than 3 hours were 25 (14.0%) in the emergency department, 94 (50.5%) in neurosurgery, 66 (35.5%) in orthopedic surgery. Length of stay was significantly increased in orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery (p=0.014). In addition, the length of stay was longer when computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging examinations were performed (p=0.000). Regardless of the type of analgesic agent, the median time to the analgesic treatment was shorter in the group with less than 3 hours (p=0.034). Conclusions: In patients with back pain who visit the ER, the emergency medicine doctor will early control the pain and do not unnecessary image examination to reduce a length of stay at the ER.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
• /
• v.9 no.2
• /
• pp.67-75
• /
• 1984

As a part of studies on acute effects of high dose irradiation the present report was carried out to evaluate the changes of the leukocyte life span in the Newzealand white male rabbits by a single whole body exposure to gamma rays from $^{60}Co$ teleirradiation unit. The exposure was done in dose levels of 100, 300, 550 and 1,000 rad to each experimental group of 10 rabbits. The life span and apparent half survival time of leukocytes, and the elution rate of leukocytes in the circulating blood were measured by McMillan method using $^{51}Cr$. 1. As a critical indicator of radiation hazards of the Newzealand male rabbits, the LD 50/30 and LD 100/30 after whole body exposure was estimated as 550 and 1,000 rads respectively. 2. The life span of leukocyte in the circulation after irradiation was slightly shortened in the 100 rad irradiated group, as compared with the unirradiated control group, but markedly shortened in the 300, 550 and 1,000 rads irradiated group. 3. After irradiation, decrease of leukocyte half survival time in the circulation showed the same pattern as that of leukocytes life span. 4. As the irradiation doses increased, the elution rate of $^{51}Cr$ loss from $^{51}Cr$ tagged leukocytes in the circulation were markedly increased gradually. 5. The life span shortening of leukocytes in the circulation after irradiation seems to occure by two processes of senescence acceleration and early destruction.