• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.236-241
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• 1992

Background: As well as fiberoptic bronchoscopy, chest computerized tomographic scan can now differentiate the benign from malignant causes and the obstructive from non-obstructive causes of lung collapse. This study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of chest CT scan and fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of middle lobe syndrome. Method: We reviewed the clinical features, roentgenographic changes, pathologic findings and bronchoscopic findings in 16 patients with middle lobe syndrome who were admitted to Severance Hospital during period of January, 1987 through January, 1992. Results: The male to female ratio was 1:1. The most common symptoms were cough and sputums. Crackle was the most common physical finding. Underlying disease was lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis and endobronchial tuberculosis in 3 each other, benign stenosis in 2, lung abscess, broncholithiasis, bronchial chondroma, pneumonia and nonspecific inflammation in 1 each other. Conclusion: We conclude that the combination of chest computerized tomogram and fiberoptic bronchoscopy was most desirable for the diagnosis of middle lobe syndrome.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.218-230
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• 1999

Background: Craniofacial anatomic abnormalities related to structural narrowing of the upper airway have been reported in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. In this study, we evaluated the craniofacial anatomic characteristics of Korean patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and the role of cephalometric analysis in the prediction of abnormal breathing during sleep. Methods: Thirty-nine patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome(OSAS), 39 simple snorers(simple snorers) and 20 controls(control) had cephalometric analysis using the technique of Riley et al, and underwent standardized polysomnographic recordings. Different variables, including sex, body mass index, cephalometric and polysomnographic data, were statistically analyzed. Results: Pm-UPW and V-LPW distances were significantly shorter in OSAS when compared with simple snorers or control. PAS in simple snorers was shorter than in control. ANS-Gn distance in OSAS was significantly longer than in control. PNS-P distance in OSAS or simple snorers was significantly longer than in control. MP-H distance in OSAS was significantly longer than in simple snorers or control and MP-H distance in simple snorers was also longer than in control. NL/Pm-P angle in OSAS was lesser than in control. MP-H distance in OSAS or in the combined groups of OSAS and simple snorers was significantly correlated with apneahypopnea index(AHI). PNS-P distance in the combined groups of OSAS and simple snorers was correlated with AHI. In male of all subjects, body mass index was significantly correlated with PNS-P or MP-H distance. Conclusion: Cephalometric analysis can be useful tool in determining the craniofacial anatomic abnormalities in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Cephalometric parameters, especially MP-H distance, can be useful for predicting frequency of narrowing or obstruction of upper airway during sleep.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.59 no.1
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• pp.53-61
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• 2005

Background : Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a specific marker of myocardial injury. It is known that a higher level of cTnI is associated with a poor clinical outcome in patients with acute coronary syndrome. An elevation in cTnI is also observed in various noncardiac critical illnesses. This study evaluated whether cTnI is useful for predicting the prognosis in noncardiac critically ill patients. Methods : From June 2003 to July 2004 at Gyeongsang National University Hospital, we enrolled 215 patients (male:142, female:73, mean age:$63{\pm}15$ years ) who were admitted for critical illness other than acute coronary syndrome at the medical intensive care unit(ICU). The severity score of critical illness (SAPS II and SOFA) was determined and serum cTnI level was measured within 24 hours after admission to the ICU. The mortality rate was compared between the cTnI-positive (${\geq}0.1{\mu}g/L$) and cTnI-negative ($cTnI<0.1{\mu}g/L$) patients at the $10^{th}$ and $30^{th}$ day after admission to the ICU. The mean cTnI value was compared between the survivors and non-survivors at the $10^{th}$ and $30^{th}$ day after admission to the ICU in the cTnI-positive patients. The correlation between cTnI and the severity of the critical illness score (SAPS II and SOFA) was also analyzed in cTnI-positive patients. Results : 1) The number of cTnI-negative and positive patients were 95(44%) and 120(56%), respectively. 2) The mortality rate at the $10^{th}$ and $30^{th}$ day after admission to the ICU was significantly higher in the cTnI-positive patients (29%, 41%) than in the cTnI-negative patients (12%, 21%)(p<0.01). 3) In the cTnI-positive patients, the mean value of the cTnI at the $10^{th}$ and $30^{th}$ day after admission to the ICU was significantly higher in the non-survivors ($4.5{\pm}9.2{\mu}g/L$, $3.5{\pm}7.9{\mu}g/L$) than in the survivors($1.8{\pm}3.6{\mu}g/L$, $2.0{\pm}3.9{\mu}g/L$) (p < 0.05). 4) In the cTnI-positive patients, the cTnI level was significantly correlated with the SAPS II score (r=0.24, p<0.001) and SOFA score (r=0.30, p<0.001). Conclusion : The cTnI may be a useful prognostic marker in noncardiac critically ill patients.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.59 no.6
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• pp.651-655
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• 2005

Background : Diagnosing a pulmonary embolism is difficult because its presenting symptoms are nonspecific and there are limitations with all of the objective tests. The D-dimer is known to be a marker of the lysis of intravascular cross-linked fibrin as a result of the activation of the endogenous fibrinolytic pathways, and the D-dimer assay is these an objective method for diagnosing a pulmonary embolism. This study assessed the benefits of the D-dimer test for diagnosing a pulmonary embolism using semiquantitative latex agglutination. Methods : The latex agglutination results of 185 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The D-dimer test was performed at the time a pulmonary embolism was suspected. Ninety patients(group I) were diagnosis with PE through spiral chest CT or a chest CT angiogram, perfusion/ventilation scans, and/or pulmonary angiogram. Ninety-five patients (group II) were found not to have a pulmonary embolism through the above tests. Results : The male to female ratio and mean age in groups I and II was 37:55, and 57 years old to 50:45 and 52 years old, respectively. When the cut off value for a positive D-dimer assay was set to $500{\mu}g$, the sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and specificity was 86.7%, 61.4%, 79.3%, and 48.4%, respectively. Conclusion : The semiquantitative latex agglutination method in the D-dimer test has a lower sensitivity and negative predictive value than the well known ELISA test particularly for small emboli. Therefore, this test is not a suitable screening test for excluding a pulmonary embolism.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.71 no.2
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• pp.120-125
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• 2011

Background: Although the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis has progressively decreased all over the world, drug-resistant tuberculosis is major obstacle in treating tuberculosis. This study was performed to examine the current prevalence and risk factors of drug resistant tuberculosis in a single tertiary hospital in Busan, Korea. Methods: We enrolled 367 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis on a retrospective basis who had undergone mycobacterium culture and drug sensitivity tests between January 2005 and December 2009. We analyzed all clinical and radiographic parameters to find predictors related to drug resistant tuberculosis. Results: At least one incident of drug resistance was found in 75 (20.4%) patients. Isoniazid (18.8%) was the most frequent resistant drug, followed by rifampin (10.9%), ethambutol (7.1%), streptomycin (4.9%), and fluoroquinolone (2.7%). Resistance to second-line drugs was found in 37 (10.1%) patients. Multidrug resistance and extensively drug resistance was evident in 39 (10.6%) and 4 (1.1%) patients, respectively. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, history of previous treatment including relapse (odd ratio [OR], 11.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.92~26.08; p<0.01), treatment failure (OR, 24.1; 95% CI, 5.65~102.79; p<0.01) and an age of below 46 years-old (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.62~8.65; p<0.01) were found to be independent predictors of multidrug resistant tuberculosis. Conclusion: We found that the prevalence of drug resistant tuberculosis was considerably high. A careful consideration for possible drug resistant tuberculosis is warranted in patients with a history of previous treatment or for younger patients.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.235-241
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• 2004

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the serum tumor markers CEA, CA 19-9, and CA 72-4 in monitoring the recurrence of gastric cancer and in its preoperative assessment. Materials and Methods: Two hundred fifty-five patients who underwent potentially curative surgery during period from January 1995 to December 2000 at the Department of Surgery were assessed. Serum samples were obtained preoperatively, 2 weeks after the surgery, and at 6-month intervals. The cut-off levels were established as 5 ng/ml for CEA, 36 U/ml for CA 19-9, and 4 U/ml for CA 72-4. The tumor stage was described according to the 5th edition of the Union Internationale Contra la Cancer (UICC) TNM classification in 1997. Results: The preoperative positivities were $10.5\%$ for CEA, $9.7\%$ for CA 19-9, and $12.4\%$ for CA 72-4. The serum levels of the three tumor markers decreased after curative surgery. The preoperative serum levels of the three tumor markers were significantly related to the depth of invasion, the tumor size, lymph-node metastasis, the pathologic stage, and recurrence, except that CEA was not associated with tumor size. The marker sensitivities in recurrent cases were $43.3\%$ for CEA, $\%41.8$ for CA 19-9, and $50.0\%$ for CA 72-4, and the marker specificities were $85.1\%$ for CEA, $96.8\%$ for CA 19-9, and $87.8\%$ for CA 72-4. Conclusion: The preoperative serum levels of CEA, CA 19-9, and CA 72-4 are not useful for the initial diagnosis of gastric cancer because of their low positivity. However, we should consider their relationship with depth of invasion, lymph-node metastasis, tumor size, pathologic stage, and recurrence. Also, the follow-up levels of the three markers have a statistical relationship with recurrence of gastric cancer even though their sensitivities are low.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.96-103
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• 2009

Purpose: Lymph node metastasis is an important factor in determining prognosis and therapeutic options for early gastric cancer (EGC) patients. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and D are known as lymphangiogenic factors, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is thought to play a role in lymph node metastasis in gastric carcinoma. This study was designed to determine whether the expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and COX-2 is associated with clinicopathologic factors, especially lymph node metastasis in EGCs invading the submucosa. Materials and Methods: Tissue samples were obtained from 85 Patients undergoing standard gastrectomy with lymph node dissection between 1991 and 2007 in the Department of Surgery of Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital in Daejeon, Korea. All patients were diagnosed with gastric cancers and submucosal invasion. We examined the expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and COX-2 using immunohistochemical methods. Results: Of the 85 patients, 16 (18.8%) had lymph node metastasis. VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and COX-2 were positively expressed in 34.1% (29/85), 22.3% (19/85), and 37.6% (32/85) of the patients. VEGF-C and COX-2 expression was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). A positive correlation existed between VEGF-C and COX-2 expression (P< 0.001). Conclusion: VEGF-C and COX-2 expression is associated with lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer with submucosal invasion. VEGF-C and COX-2 may thus be predictive markers for lymph node metastasis in EGC patients with submucosal invasion.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.85-90
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• 2008

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of D2 lymphadenectomy in elderly patients with gastric cancerby comparing the surgical outcomes and postoperative courses between an elderly group and a control group undergoing the same procedure. Materials and Methods: Clinical information was reviewed for 1251 patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy between May 2004 and May 2007. Patients were classified into the following two groups: an elderly group (older than the average life span in Korea) and a control group (younger than the elderly group). Clinicopathologic features and postoperative courses after D2 lymphadenectomy were reviewed and compared between the two groups. Results: There were a total of 120 (9%) elderly group patients among all those reviewed, and 86 (72.2%) of them underwent D2 lymphadenectomy. There was 27.5% postoperative morbidity in the elderly group, which was significantly different from thecontrol group (12.8%, p=0.003). However, on multivariate analysis, ASA score and combined resection were independent predictive factors of postoperative complications, while age was not predictive. Conclusion: Older age is not a predictive factor of postoperative complications in itself, and D2 lymphadenectomy can be safely performed in elderly patients with gastric cancer, provided they have good ASA scores and do not undergo accompanying combined resection.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.194-201
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose was to compare the marginal fidelity and the fracture resistance of the zirconia crowns according to the various coping designs with different thicknesses and cement types. Materials and methods: Zirconia copings were designed and fabricated with various thicknesses using the CAD/CAM system (Everest, KaVo Dental GmbH, Biberach., Germany). Eighty zirconia copings were divided into 4 groups (Group I: even 0.3 mm thickness, Group II: 0.3 mm thickness on the buccal surface and the buccal half of occlusal surface and the 0.6 mm thickness on the lingual surface and the lingual half of occlusal surface, Group III: even 0.6 mm thickness, Group IV: 0.6 mm thickness on the buccal surface and the buccal half of occlusal surface and the 1.0 mm thickness on the lingual surface and the lingual half of occlusal surface) of 20. By using a putty index, zirconia crowns with the same size and contour were fabricated. Each group was divided into two subgroups by type of cement: Cavitec$^{(R)}$ (Kerr Co, USA) and Panavia-$F^{(R)}$ (Kuraray Medical Inc, Japan). After the cementation of the crowns with a static load compressor, the marginal fidelity of the zirconia crowns were measured at margins on the buccal, lingual, mesial and distal surfaces, using a microscope of microhardness tester (Matsuzawa, MXT-70, Japan, ${\times}100$). The fracture resistance of each crown was measured using a universal testing machine (Z020, Zwick, Germany) at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The results were analyzed statistically by the two-way ANOVA and oneway ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range test at $\alpha$=.05. Results: Group I and III showed the smallest marginal fidelity, while group II demonstrated the largest value in Cavitec$^{(R)}$ subgroup (P<.05). For fracture resistance, group III and IV were significantly higher than group I and II in Cavitec$^{(R)}$ subgroup (P<.05). The fracture resistances of Panavia-$F^{(R)}$ subgroup were not significantly different among the groups (P>.05). Panavia-$F^{(R)}$ subgroup showed significantly higher fracture resistance than Cavitec$^{(R)}$ subgroup in group I and II (P<.05). Conclusion: Within the limitation of this study, considering fracture resistance or marginal fidelity and esthetics, a functional ceramic substructure design of the coping with slim visible surface can be used for esthetic purposes, or a thick invisible surface to support the veneering ceramic can be used depending on the priority.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.276-283
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• 2007

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of isoflavone on the atherogenic effect in C57BL/6 mice. C57BL/6 female mice, 5 weeks of age, were fed on chow diets for 2 weeks during adjustment period. Mice weighing approximately $17.9{\pm}0.9\;g$ were divided into 4 groups and were fed on the experimental diets containing isoflavone for 8 weeks. Experimental groups were control (atherogenic diet), IF-10 (atherogenic diet with isoflavone 10 mg/100 g diet), IF-40 (atherogenic diet with isoflavone 40 mg/100 g diet) and IF-100 (atherogenic diet with isoflavone 100 mg/100 g diet). Food efficiency ratio was not different among the experimental groups. Plasma triglyceride (TG) concentrations were lower after 4 weeks in isoflavone supplementation groups than in control group, whereas monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels of plasma were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the isoflavone supplementation groups in a dose dependent manner. Both hepatic TG and cholesterol levels were significantly lowered in IF-100 than control. Hepatic glutathione concentrations were higher in the IF-100 group than in the other groups. Hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities including glutathione-reductase, glutathione-peroxidase, catalase, and Mn-superoxide dismutase were significantly higher in the isoflavone supplemen-tation groups in a dose dependent manner. From the above results, it is concluded that isoflavone may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis via hypolipidemic, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects.