• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.19-27
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• 1980

Although primary application of radioisotope scanning technics to the liver has been of use in the detection of the intra-hepatic space occupying lesion from the normal functioning liver parenchyme, there has been on increasing awareness of its use in evalution of Liver function. In this study, the diseases of the liver were classified into group A,B,C and D by the liver scanning findings, conventional liver function tests and clinical findings. Following were the results: 1. The colloidal radiogold liver scan appeared normal in the group A, also the albumin in serum, alkaline phosphatase activity and prothrombin time were within normal levels in this group. 2. In the group B, there were acute hepatitis 24(48%), chronic hepatitis 5(10%), toxic hepatitis 3(6%), subacute hepatic necrosis 3(6%), typhoid liver 4(8%), hepatic tuberculosis 2(4%), diabetes mellitus 3(6%) and others 3(6%). In this group, SGOT and SGPT were increased predominantly as compared with group A, and the liver scan showed small amount of mottling of activity and faintly visualized spleen. 3. In the group C, there were postnecrotic liver cirrhosis 30(60%), Laennec cirrhosis 10(20%), cardiac cirrhosis 1(2%), cholangiocarcinoma 1(2%), chronic active hepatitis 6(12%), hepatic milliary tuberculosis 1(2%) and gall bladder cancer 1(2%). In this group, the albumin in serum and prothrombin time were lowered significantly and the liver scan showed severe mottling of activity with extra-hepatic uptake in the spleen and bone marrow along the vertebral column. 4. In the group D, there were primary hepatoma 26(52%), hepatoma with liver cirrhosis 7(14%), metastatic liver cancer 5(10%), liver abscess 10(20%), multiple liver cyst 1(2%) and cystic duct adenoma 1(2%), In this group, the alkaline phosphatase activity was elevated with single or multiple intrahepatic space occupying lesion in the radiogold colloid liver scan.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.263-269
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• 1997

From April 1987 to May 1996, 13 infants underwent a Norwood operation for complex congenital heart diseases including hypoplastic left heart syndrome (n : 7), mitral stenosis with small VSD and subaortic stenosis (n : 1), mitral atresia with ventricular septal defect, coarctation of aorta, and subaortic stenosis (n = 1), interrupted aortic arch with ventricular septal defect and subaortic stenosis (n : 1), tricuspid atresia with transposition of the great arteries (n = 1), and complex double-inlet left ventricle (n : 2). All patients without hypoplastic left heart syndrome were associated wit hypoplasia of ascending aorta and arch. Age at operation ranged from 3 days to 8.7 months (mean 60.6 $\pm$ 71.6 days, median 39 days). The operative mortality( < 30 days) was 46% (6 patients). Late mortality was 15% (2 patients). All operative deaths occured during the Erst 24 hours after the operation as a result of cardiopulmonary bypass weaning failure (5 patients) and sudden hemodynamic instability postoperatively (1 patient). Late death was due to aspiration pneumonia in two cases. There are 5 long-term survivals (39%). Three of them have undergone a two-stage repair with a modified Fontan operation in two and total cavopulmonary shunt in one at 12, 17, 4.5 months after Norwood procedure with no mortality. Two patients have entered a three-stage repair strategy by undergoing a bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt at 3 and 5.5 months after initial operation with 1 operative death. The actuarial survival rate for all patients at the first-stage operation, including hospital deaths and ate death was 30.8% at 1 year. In conclusion, the operative mortality of Norwood operation was relatively high compared to other operation for major cardiac anomalies, continuing experience will lead to an improvement in result.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.336-341
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: It is expected that dairy products such as cheeses, which are the main source of cholesterol and saturated fat, may lead to the development or increase the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases; however, the results of different studies are inconsistent. This study was conducted to assess the association between cheese consumption and cardiovascular risk factors in an Iranian adult population. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Information from the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP) was used for this cross-sectional study with a total of 1,752 participants (782 men and 970 women). Weight, height, waist and hip circumference measurement, as well as fasting blood samples were gathered and biochemical assessments were done. To evaluate the dietary intakes of participants a validated food frequency questionnaire, consists of 49 items, was completed by expert technicians. Consumption of cheese was classified as less than 7 times per week and 7-14 times per week. RESULTS: Higher consumption of cheese was associated with higher C-Reactive Protein (CRP), apolipoprotein A and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level but not with fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG) and apolipoprotein B. Higher consumption of cheese was positively associated with consumption of liquid and solid oil, grain, pulses, fruit, vegetable, meat and dairy, and negatively associated with Global Dietary Index. After control for other potential confounders the association between cheese intake and metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.81; 96%CI: 0.71-0.94), low HDL-C level (OR: 0.87; 96%CI: 0.79-0.96) and dyslipidemia (OR: 0.88; 96%CI: 0.79-0.98) became negatively significant. CONCLUSION: This study found an inverse association between the frequency of cheese intake and cardiovascular risk factors; however, further prospective studies are required to confirm the present results and to illustrate its mechanisms.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.11-18
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• 2012

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and rhythm outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation through a port access approach compared with sternotomy in patients with AF associated with mitral valve diseases. Materials and Methods: From February 2006 through December 2009, 135 patients underwent biatrial AF ablation with a mitral operation via either a port-access approach (n=78, minimally invasive cardiac surgery [MICS] group) or a conventional sternotomy (n=57, sternotomy group). To adjust for the differences in the two groups' baseline characteristics, a propensity score analysis was performed. Results: After adjustment, there were no significant differences in the two groups' baseline profiles. The cardiopulmonary bypass time was significantly longer (p=0.045) in the MICS group ($176.0{\pm}49.5$ minutes) than the sternotomy group ($150.0{\pm}51.9$ minutes). There were no significant differences (p=0.31) in the two groups' rate of reoperation for bleeding (MICS=6 vs. sternotomy=2, p=0.47) or the requirement for permanent pacing (MICS=1 vs. sternotomy=3). The major event-free survival rates at two years were $87.4{\pm}8.1%$ in the MICS group and $89.6{\pm}5.8%$ in the sternotomy group (p=0.92). Freedom from late AF at 2 years was $86.8{\pm}6.2%$ in the MICS group and $85.0{\pm}6.9%$ in the sternotomy group (p=0.86). Conclusion: Both the port-access approach and sternotomy showed tolerable clinical outcomes following biatrial AF ablation with mitral valve surgery.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.341-344
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• 2007

Obesity is a major obstacle for human health, which induces various diseases such as cardiac injury and type 2 diabetes. Ginsenosides, active components of ginseng extract, exert various physiological effects. However, There are still no evidence for their anti obesity effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of ginsenoside Rd on adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells. Our data show that ginsenoside Rd (80 uM) was effective in adipocyte differentiation inhibition. These inhibitory effects of ginsenosides on adipocyte differentiation were accompanied by PPAR gamma inhibition in rosiglitazone-treated cells. We also tested whether AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation was involved in the effects of these ginsenosides. AMPK is a master target for obesity, ginsenoside Rd significantly activated AMPK. Taken together, these results suggest that the anti obesity effects of ginsenoside Rd involve the AMPK signaling pathway and PPAR-gamma inhibition.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.503-513
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify a model based on f the learning objectives in adult health nursing curriculums. The model can be eventually reflected in Korean National Nurse's Licensing Examination (KNNLE). Methods: The model was developed through a series of practical analysis by the task force team from June to October, 2011. The research team conducted the data synthesis and analysis from the learning objectives of adult health nursing drawn from selected national and international universities, from the adult health nursing areas in KNNLE, and from the current disease prevalence from clinical data in the representative university hospitals in Korea. Results: The current disease prevalence and mortality rates are on the increase especially for malignant neoplasm, heart diseases, suicide and diabetes. The items on the KNNLE of adult nursing are categorized by body systems into digestive system (15%), introduction (13.8%), respiratory system (11.3%), and cardiac system (11.3%). While the current system-based learning objectives covers extensive areas of adult health nursing, the core items are required to be selected based on core competences and core learning objectives to restructure the items of KNNLE. The first revised model is to consolidate and restructure the items microscopically in the subjects of adult health nursing by system. The second proposed model from macroscopic perspective is to build a comprehensive scheme of nursing curriculum by encompassing 8 subjects under current KNNLE and adjust the number of items accordingly. Conclusion: The items of KNNLE need to be gradually redesigned by considering the intervention need at clinical practice and the modified learning objectives of adult health nursing. Based on the job analysis on core competences for newly employed nurses performed by the Korean Accreditation Board of Nursing, it is necessary to establish the core learning objectives of adult health nursing and set up standards for core items in KNNLE.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.164-174
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• 2011

Objective: The antiplatelet agent aspirin has been widely used for treating atherosclerosis in western medicine, and its efficacy has been proven in cardiac and extracardiac vascular diseases. On the other hand, Hyeolbuchukeo-tang has been widely used for treating blood stasis syndrome in traditional medicine. Therefore we investigated whether Hyeolbuchukeo-tang could have a synergic effect along with aspirin. Methods & Materials: Male $ApoE^{(-/-)}$ mice were randomly divided into three different experimental groups: a non-treated group(Control group), an aspirin-treated group(AP group), and an aspirin with Hyeolbuchukeo-tang-treated group(APH group). The control group was fed only an atherogenic diet, the AP group an atherogenic diet plus Aspirin 5 mg/kg, and the APH group an atherogenic diet plus Aspirin 5 mg/kg with Hyeolbuchukeo-tang 100 mg/kg. We investigated plasma lipid with liver function test, and performed the histological investigation of liver and abdominal aorta. Results: 1. We investigated photomicrographic changes of liver and abdominal aorta tissue. They showed that histological injury of aorta and lipid accumulations of the liver were lower in the AP and APH groups than in the control group. 2. In the APH group, plasma triglyceride levels were significantly lower than those in the control and AP groups. 3. There were no differences in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels among the control, AP and APH groups. Conclusion: The above results show that a combined treatment of Hyeolbuchukeo-tang and aspirin has a somewhat synergic effect in terms of inhibiting vessel injury and decreasing lipid deposits on liver cells without liver toxicity.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.21-24
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• 2011

Xerostomia is subjective feeling of dry mouth, a symptom that may or may not be accompanied by hyposalivation, an objective decrease in salivary flow. There are many causes induced xerostomia like drugs, salivary gland diseases, radiation therapy to the head and neck region, Sjogren syndrome, emotional stress etc. Insufficient salivary flow creates complications with oral candidiasis, dental caries, periodontitis, halitosis, dysgeusia. So finally, these complications lead to an overall decline in quality of life. Managements of xerostomia are eliminating or alterating the etiologic factors, relieving symptoms, preventing or correcting the consequences of salivary dysfunction, treating underlying disease and stimulating salivation. One of the salivation stimulation agents studied to treat xerostomia was the pilocarpine muscarinic agonist. Pilocarpine is one of salivation stimulants, a parasympathomimetic drug and non-selective muscarinic receptor agonist. Systemic pilocarpine has been used to stimulate salivary secretion. But systemic administration of pilocarpine has limitations such as increased risk of side effects and contraindications. Side effects of systemic pilocarpine administration are sweating, urinary and gastrointestinal disturbance, risk of cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders. This drug must be used carefully by patients with controlled asthma, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary or cardiac disease. Patient with acute asthma, narrow angle glaucoma, iritis should not use pilocarpine. Like this, systemic pilocarpine has many limitations. So, many investigators also have looked at the effectiveness of topical pilocarpine. Here we present patients with xerostomia which was relieved by pilocarpine mouthwash.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.124-135
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• 2010

Background and Objective: Atherosclerosis is a diffuse, systemic disease that affects the coronary, cerebral, and peripheral arterial trees. Clopidogrel is widely used antiplatelet agent and its efficacy has been proven in cardiac and extracardiac vascular diseases, but it has several side effects. Therefore we investigated whether Sopunghwalhyeoltang, which is widely used for treating the blood stasis syndrome in traditional medicine, could decrease the side effect of antiplatelets and have a synergic effect. Methods & Materials: Male $ApoE^{(-/-)}$ mice were randomly divided into three different experimental groups, non-treated group (Control group), clopidogrel-treated group (CP group) and clopidogrel with Sopunghwalhyeol-tang treated group (CPS group). The control group was fed with only an atherogenic diet, the CP group an atherogenic diet plus clopidogrel 25mg/kg and the CPS group an atherogenic diet plus clopidogrel 25mg/kg with Sopunghwalhyeol-tang 100 mg/kg. We investigated plasma lipids with liver function test, and performed a histological investigation of liver and abdominal aorta. Results: 1. Photomicrographs of liver and abdominal aorta tissue showed lower histological injury and lipid accumulation in the CP and CPS groups than those in the Control group. 2. In the CPS group, plasma triglyceride level was significantly lower than in the Control and CP groups. 3. In the CPS group, the plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level was significantly lower than in the CP group. Conclusions: The above results shows that a combined treatment of Sopunghwalhyeol-tang and clopidogrel have a synergic effect through inhibiting vessel injury and decrease the side effects of clopidogrel alone.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.9-14
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• 2016

Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) participates in the regulation of numerous cellular functions, including the $Na^+-K^+$-ATPase (sodium pump). Ouabain, used in the treatment of several heart diseases, is known to increase cAMP levels but its effects on the atrium are not understood. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of ouabain on the regulation of atrial cAMP production and its roles in atrial endothelin-1 (ET-1) secretion in isolated perfused beating rabbit atria. Our results showed that ouabain ($3.0{\mu}mol/L$) significantly increased atrial dynamics and cAMP levels during recovery period. The ouabain-increased atrial dynamics was blocked by KB-R7943 ($3.0{\mu}mol/L$), an inhibitor for reverse mode of $Na^+-Ca^{2+}$ exchangers (NCX), but did not by L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel blocker nifedipine ($1.0{\mu}mol/L$) or protein kinase A (PKA) selective inhibitor H-89 ($3.0{\mu}mol/L$). Ouabain also enhanced atrial intracellular cAMP production in response to forskolin and theophyline ($100.0{\mu}mol/L$), an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase, potentiated the ouabain-induced increase in cAMP. Ouabain and 8-Bromo-cAMP ($0.5{\mu}mol/L$) markedly increased atrial ET-1 secretion, which was blocked by H-89 and by PD98059 ($30{\mu}mol/L$), an inhibitor of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) without changing ouabain-induced atrial dynamics. Our results demonstrated that ouabain increases atrial cAMP levels and promotes atrial ET-1 secretion via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ERK signaling pathway. These findings may explain the development of cardiac hypertrophy in response to digitalis-like compounds.