• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.836-842
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• 1999

Background: Mixed obstructive and restrictive pattern of spirometry can not be concluded in the presence of true restrictive disorders because pure obstructive disorders can also show reduced vital capacity. However, it is not known how many patients with mixed spirometric pattern really have restrictive disorders in Korea whose pattern of pulmonary diseases is somewhat different from foreign countries. To answer this question, I performed this study and tried to answer it according to diseases in addition. Method: Test results from 413 patients who undergone both spirometry and lung volume measurements on the same visit from August 1, 1998 to July 31, 1999 were included. Spirometry data were classified as mixed obstructive-restrictive pattern when spirometry showed '$FEV_1/FVC$<70% (<65% if age$\geq$60)' and FVC<80% of predicted value'. TLC by the method of nitrogen washout was considered as gold standard to diagnose restrictive disorders in which TLC is less than 80% of predicted value. Results: Out of 404 patients who could be evaluated, 58 had mixed pattern of spirometry. 58 patients were suffered from airway diseases(39 patients) such as COPD(22 patients, 38%), asthma(11, 19%), bronchiectasis (6,10%), and sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis(15, 26%) or other diseases(4,7%). Only 18 out of 58(31%) were confirmed to have true restrictive disorders by TLC. The proportion of true restrictive disorders was different according to diseases, 20.5%(8/39patients) in patients with airway diseases and 53.3%(8/15) with sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis(p<0.05). Conclusion: Many patients whose spirometry showed mixed pattern didn't have restrictive disorders but had pure obstructive disorders. This was true for more patients with airway diseases. Therefore it would be prudent that lung volume be tested to diagnose restrictive disorders in patients with mixed spirometric pattern.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.530-539
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• 2001

Background : Bronchial asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways that is associated with airway remodeling. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent, multifunctional cytokine that contributes to angiogenesis and inflammation. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is a major proteolytic enzyme that in duces bronchial remodeling in asthma. However, there is no data available on the possible role of the VEGF or on the potential relationship between the VEGF and MMP-9 in acute asthma. Therefore, the VEGF was studied to determine whether or not it participates in airway inflammation during acute asthma. An additional aim of this study was to determine whether or not the VEGF levels correlated with the MMP-9 levels in the sputum of acute asthma patients. Methods: Both the VEGF and MMP-9 levels were measured by an enzyme immunoassay and zymographic analysis in the sputum of patients with either stable asthma or with acute asthma. The VEGF and MMP-9 levels were also evaluated during a spontaneous asthma attack. Results : The VEGF levels were significantly higher in the sputum of acute asthmatic patients than in either the stable patients the control subjects. The VEGF levels in the sputum during asthma exacerbation were significantly higher than those on the remission days, and those levels decreased after asthma therapy. In acute asthmatic patients, the VEGF levels in the sputum correlated with the number of neutrophils and eosinophils. In addition, a significant correlation was established between the VEGF and MMP-9 levels in the sputum. Conclusion : These results suggest that VEGF overproduction is associated with airway inflammation during acute asthma and is related to the MMP-9 function.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.339-346
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• 1999

Background : Non-small cell lung carcinoma is a common tumor with a poor prognosis. Of all malignancies, it is the main cause of death for male and female patients in the Western world. Resection remains the most effective treatment when feasible. Accurate description and classification of the extent of cancer growth are important in planning treatment, estimating prognosis, evaluating end results of therapy, and exchanging information on human cancer research. Until effective systemic therapy is available for non-small cell lung cancer, development of new treatment strategies depends on knowledge of the end results achieved for carefully staged groups of patients in the lung cancer populations. For these reasons, we investigated the survival rate in radically resected non-small cell lung cancer patients by newly revised staging system adopted by the American Joint Committee on Cancer and the Union Internationale Contre le Cancer. Methods: Clinical, surgical-pathologic and follow-up informations on 84 consecutive, previously untreated, patients who received their primary treatment for non-small cell lung cancer were investigated. Staging definitions for the T(primary tumor), N(reginal lymph node), and M(distant metastasis) components were according to the International Staging System for Lung Cancer. Death from any causes was the primary target of the evaluation. Results: The median survival rates were as follows; stage I ;79.1 months, stage II ;47.3 months, stage IIIa; 22.7 months, stage IIIb; 16.1 months, and stage IV;15.2 months versus newly revised stage Ia;58.5 months, stage I b;76.0 months, stage IIa; not available, stage IIb;43.0 months, stage IIIa;22.5 months, stage IIIb; 16.1 months, and stage IV;15.2 months. The survival rates were not significantly different between old and newly revised staging system. Cumulative percent survival at 36months after treatment was 100% in stage Ia, 80% in stage Ib, not available in stage IIa, 26 % in stage IIb, and 21 % in stage m a respectively. Conclusions: Although these data were not significantly different statistically, the newly revised lung cancer staging system might be more promising for the accurate evaluation of the prognosis in the non-small cell lung caner patients.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.576-584
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• 2000

Background : With the increase of cigarette consumption by women and the young, the incidence of lung cancer is expected to increase during the next three or four decades in Korea. The purpose of this study was to analyze the smoking habits in patients with lung cancer and to identify the gender differences in terms of their susceptibility to cigarette related carcinogens. Method : This investigation was a hospital-based case control study, which included the data of 178 case subjects (72 females, 106 males) with lung cancer and 218 control subjects (97 females, 121 males) with diseases unrelated to smoking. The information was obtained through a direct personal interview and a questionnaire related to personal smoking history. Results : The relative frequency of the squamous cell carcinoma was substantially higher in males than in females (61.3% in males, and 29.2% in females), while adenocarcinoma including bronchoalveolar cell carcinoma was higher in females(31.9% in females, 18.9% in males). Kreyberg I lung cancer was of relatively higher frequencies in males and smokers, while Kreyberg II lung cancer was higher in females and never smokers. The odds ratios (ORs) at each exposure level were consistently higher in females than males. For all cell types, the risk of lung cancer was increased with the quantity of smoked cigarettes, duration of smoking, and depth of inhalation. Odds ratio was distinctly higher in Kreyberg I lung cancer than in total lung cancer and a steeper gradient of risk with increased smoking was observed in females. Conclusion : The relative risk for lung cancer was consistently higher in females than in males at every level of exposure to cigarette smoke. This is believed to be due to the higher susceptibility of females to tobacco carcinogens, such as gender associated differences of carcinogen activation and/or the elimination of smoking related metabolites.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.936-944
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• 1996

Background: Neutrophils or monocytes separated in vitro by the adherence to plastic surface are known to be activated by surface adherence itself and subsequent experimental data might be altered by surface adherence. Adhesion molecules and gene transcription of the inflammatory mediators are known to be associated in this process. To evaluate whether adhesion molecule and transcriptional activation of the inflammatory substances are also involved in the activation of human alveolar macrophage by the adherence procedure, we designed this experiment. Method : Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed in the person whose lung of either side was confirmed to be nonnal by chest cr and alveolar macrophage was harvested. To measure the expression of Interleukin-8(IL-8) mRNA, manganese superoxide dismutase(SOD) mRNA and CD11/CD18 mRNA in human alveolar macrophage of both adherence state and suspension state, Northern blot analysis was done at 0, 2, 4, 8 and 24hrs after the adherence to plastic surface and during suspension state. Then, phorbol myristate acetate(pMA) and N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine(fMLP) were added respectively in the same experimental condition. Result : 1) Human alveolar macrophages in the adherent state induced IL-8 mRNA and SOD mRNA expression which was maximal at 8 hours after the adherence to plastic surface. But we could not observe the upregulation of CD18 mRNA by surface adherence. 2) PMA induced these mRNA expression both in the adherent cell and the nonadherem cells, but the induction of mRNA expression by fMLP occurred only in the adherent cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that adherence of huamn alveolar macropahge is an important cell-activating event that may play a critical role in the modulation of lung inflammatory respones.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.64 no.3
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• pp.194-199
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• 2008

Background: Early identification of pathogens can improve the prognosis of patients with ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). In the present study, we evaluated the feasibility of performing multiplex PCR for endotracheal aspirates to detect three important pathogens (P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae and MRSA) in patients with VAP. Methods: The endotracheal aspirates of 24 patients were collected within 24 hours of the diagnosis of VAP for performing multiplex PCR. Forward and reverse primers were designed to target the specific site of each pathogen (the oprL gene for P. aeruginosa, 16S rRNA for K. pneumoniae and the mec gene for MRSA). We analyzed the clinical data of the VAP patients, including the culture reports for the endotracheal aspirates. Results: Twenty-four patients (M:F=18:6, mean age=$70{\pm}11$) with VAP were enrolled. Pathogens were isolated from 11 patients (P. aeruginosa in 2, K. pneumoniae in 1, MRSA in 2, other enteric Gram negative bacilli in 3, S. pneumoniae in 2 and mixed infection in 1). Multiplex PCR detected three cases of P.aeruginosa (2 cases coincided with the culture reports) and four cases of K. pneumoniae (1 matched with the culture report). PCR detected two MRSA cases, which did not coincide with the culture reports. Conclusion: Multiplex PCR of the endotracheal aspirate showed some ability to detect Gram negative bacilli, although caution is required when interpreting the results.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.94 no.6
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• pp.441-445
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• 2005

Researches on estimating national-scaled forest biomass are being carried out to quantify the carbon stock of forests with the Kyoto Protocol. In general, estimates of national-scaled forest biomass are based on forest inventory data which provides estimates of forest area, stem volume, and growth of stem by age classes. Estimates of forest biomass are, however, obtained by converting stem volumes to dry weight with stem density and thereafter to whole tree biomass with biomass expansion factors (ratios of whole tree dry weight to stem dry weight). Pinus densiflora is widely distributed and one of the most economically important timber species in Korea. The species are largely grouped into two ecotypes of Geumgang and Jungbu. Stems of Geumgang type trees are straight and high compared to those of Jungbu type trees. The objective of this study was to determine and compare stem density and biomass expansion factors fore two ecotypes of Pinus densiflora according to stand age. Stem density of both ecotypes of Pinus densora increased and biomass expansion factors of them decreased with increasing tree age. In he same age class, stem density and biomass expansion factor of Geungang type Pinus densiflora were lower than those of Jungbu type Pinus densiflora. There were statistically significant differences in stem density and biomass expansion factors between Geumgang type and Jungbu type Pinus densiflora in 0-20-year-old stands and 40-60-year-old stands. Our results suggested that the reliability of the national forest biomass inventory could be improved by applying the ecotype- and age-dependent stem density and biomass expansion factors.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.77 no.3
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• pp.259-268
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• 1988

For the purpose of examining the effects of simulated acid rain on nutrient contents of plant tissues in Pintos densiflora seedlings and Forsythia koreana rooted cuttings, the experimental design of randomized block arrangement with three replications was implemented in the experimental field of Yesan National Agricultural Junior College. One-year-old Pinus densiflora seedlings and Forsythia koreana cuttings were planted in the pots filled the mixed soils(nursery soil : forest soil of siliceous sandy loam=1 : 1 v/v) in the early spring of 1986. The regime of artificial acid rain, in terms of spray frequency per month and spray amount at single treatment per plot, was simulated on the basis of climatological data averaged from 30 years records. Simulated acid rain(pH 2.0, pH 4.0, and pH 5.5 as control) containing sulfuric and nutric acid in the ratio of 3 : 2(chemical equivalant basis) diluted with ground water were treated on the experimental plants under condition of cutting off the natural precipitation with vinyl tunnel, during the growing season(May 1 to August 31) in 1986. The results obtained in this study were as follow : (1) As for the nitrogen contents in plant tissues, P. densiflora increased significantly in one-year-old stembranch and root tissues, and F. koreana increased significantly in leaf and root tissues, as the pH levels of acid rain decreased. (2) The available phosphate contents in root tissues of P. densiflora, and in leaf and root tissues of F. koreana were significantly decreased, as the pH levels of acid rain decreased. (3) $K_2O$, CaO and MgO contents in plant tissues were significantly decreased in the both species as the pH levels decreased. And the effects of acid rain on F. koreana were higher than those of P. densiflora. (4) Sulfur contents of plant tissues in the both species were increased at pH 2.0 treatment. There were significant differences among three acid rain treatments in leaf and root tissues of P. densiflora, and in all parts of F. koreana. (5) In the effects of simulated acid rain on the both species and the tested soils, in general, F. koreana revealed higher sensitiveness than P. densiflora, and the lower pH levels of simulated acid rain were treated, the more sharp reaction was showed.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.77 no.3
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• pp.331-337
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• 1988

To investigate the effects of forest stand and stony characteristics on interception loss from canopy trees, throughfall and stemflow under the canopy of a pine stand and a hardwood stand were measured during 4-month periods July to October, 1986 at the Kwanak Arboretum near Anyang, and the data were analysed by correlation and regression methods. The man results obtained from this study are summerized as follows : 1. The overall throughfall collected during measurement period were 593.5mm(76.7%) in the pine stand and 663.1mm(81.8%) in the hardwood stand oui of total percipitation of 773.8mm. Combined regression analysis describes the relation between total precipitation(P) and throughfall(T) in the pine stand as T=-1.8675+0.8320 P. in the hardwood stand as T=-8179+0.8805P. 2. And the sum of stemflow from measurement of total precipitation in the pine stand and the hardwood stand were 37.4mm(4.8%) and 15.5mm(2%), respectively. In total precipitation less than 2.5mm, stemflow were not measured in both the pine stand and the hardwood stand. Regression equations for the pine stand and the hardwood stand are S=-0.6155+0.0698P, S=-0.0497+0.0183P. The mean slope and intercept of the individual regression of stemflow on rainfall for each fewest stand indicate the proportion of the rain diverted to the trunks and trunk water capacity, respectively. 3. Interception loss accounted for 142.9mm(18.5%) in the pine stand and 125.2mm(16.2%), in the hardwood stand. 4. By quadratic predictive model of relation between interception loss and total incident rainfall, the extent of variance in interception loss explained was about 72% and 61% in the pine stand and the hardwood stand respectively.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.89 no.3
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• pp.440-451
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• 2000

This study was conducted in order to provide essential data and relevant management proposal to conserve and maintain big and old trees in a rational way. For the field survey, 77 big and old trees preserved by the laws in Chollabuk-do, Korea were investigated. The study results are summarized as follows : 1. To conserve and manage big and old trees, the valuable trees have been designated as natural monument trees and protection-needed trees. There are 141 individuals of 37 species designated as natural monuments and 10,049 individuals of 102 species designated as protection-needed trees. 2. Management budget for natural monument trees was devoted at 70% from the national expenditure, but that for protection-needed trees was devoted at 98% from the local expenditure. 3. Standardized sign boards and sign stones for natural monument trees were well placed and other protection facilities such as fences, branch supports and branch holdings were established. On the other hand, management of protection-needed trees was deficient overall. 4. Problems for designation process and management of protection-needed trees could include items such as insufficient management budget, various development activities, land ownership, misjudgement of tree age and species identification, unsatisfaction of sign board placement, insufficient surgery for damaged trees, pavement around tree root system and environmental pollution around the trees. 5. In order to improve the existing management methods of big and old trees, the following schemes were suggested : the development of practical criteria for natural monument and protection-needed trees, nationwide surveys of big and old tree resources, the security of national budget, securing sufficient spaces for the tree growth, specialization of management systems, extended practices of tree form management, establishment of permanent standard signs and consideration of opinions of village residents.