• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.41-48
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• 2013

Background: We present our 12-year experience of pulmonary thromboendarterectomy in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Materials and Methods: Between January 1999 and March 2011, 16 patients underwent pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. Eleven patients (69%) were classified as functional class III or IV based on the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification. Seven patients had a history of inferior vena cava filter insertion, and 5 patients showed coagulation disorders. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy was performed during total circulatory arrest with deep hypothermia in 14 patients. Results: In-hospital mortality and late death occurred in 2 patients (12.5%) and 1 patient (6.3%), respectively. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was required in 4 patients who developed severe hypoxemia after surgery. Thirteen of the 14 survivors have been followed up for 54 months (range, 2 to 141 months). The pulmonary arterial systolic pressure and cardiothoracic ratio on chest radiography was significantly decreased after surgery ($76{\pm}26$ mmHg vs. $41{\pm}17$ mmHg, p=0.001; $55%{\pm}8%$ vs. $48%{\pm}3%$, p=0.003). Tricuspid regurgitation was reduced from $2.1{\pm}1.1$ to $0.7{\pm}0.6$ (p=0.007), and the NYHA functional class was also improved to I or II in 13 patients (81%). These symptomatic and hemodynamic improvements maintained during the late follow-up period. Conclusion: Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension shows good clinical outcomes with acceptable early and long term mortality.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.141-149
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• 2010

A concern of safety issue for traditional herbal medicine is the possibility of some herbs containing heavy metals responsible for several cases of metal poisoning. In our previous study, the physiological levels of heavy metals, such as Cd, Cu, Hg and Pb, were examined to evaluate a potential risk in patients taking herbal medicine. In this study, the levels of 12 heavy metals, including non-metallic element, Se, were analyzed in hair and compared to the results from the previous study. In the previous study, the levels of Cd, Cu, Hg and Pb in hair showed a significantly lower odds ratio than 1. In this study, however, all metals did not show any significant odds ratio higher or lower than 1 even if 5 of 12 metals showed lower odds ratio than 1. In addition, the levels of metal concentrations, especially for Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn, exceeding the WHO reference values were observed in hair. However, any evidence for metal accumulation in hair caused by taking herbal medicines for long duration was not observed in analysis of multiple regression and odds ratio from case-control study. This result would show another possibility for a role of herbs as a non-enzymatic chelator inhibiting the gastrointestinal absorption of heavy metals.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.217-222
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to establish guidelines for ankle-brachial index (ABI), toe-brachial index (TBI) and toe pressure with regard to healing of diabetic foot amputation wound. Material and Methods: We designed a retrospective study that included patients with diabetic foot ulcer. From 2008 to 2011, 46 patients who had suffered from amputation of a foot due to diabetic foot ulcer were included in this study. We divided them into amputation-success group and amputation-revision group, and compared their ankle-brachial index (ABI), toe-brachial index (TBI) and toe pressure between two groups. Amputation-revision group is that first forefoot amputation is failed to heal successfully and need to have another proximal amputation. Results: Toe pressure was 78 mmHg (54~107) in the amputation success group, 0 mmHg (0~43) in the amputation revision group (p=0.000). Ankle-brachial index was 1.1650(1.0475~1.1975) in the amputation success group, 0.92(0.5275~1.0750) in the amputation revision group (p=0.05), and toe-brachial index was 0.6100(0.4050~0.7575) in the amputation success group, 0.00(0.00~0.4150) in the amputation revision group (p=0.04), respectively. Conclusion: ABI, TBI, toe pressure of amputation success group were significantly higher than those of amputation revision group.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.265-270
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• 2017

Purpose: This study examined the effects of neck stabilization exercises with vibratory stimulation on the neck disability index and thickness of the deep neck flexor. Methods: Thirty subjects (control group=15, experimental group=15) with mild neck pain were enrolled in the study. The control group underwent craniocervical flexion exercise (control group, CG) and the experimental group was given craniocervical flexion exercise with vibratory stimulus (experimental group, EG) (3 sets, 3 times per week for 6 weeks). To examine the effects of exercise, the subjects were evaluated using the neck disability index (NDI), the thickness of the deep neck flexor muscle, and muscle strength. An independent and paired t-test were used to compare the effects of the exercise between the groups. Results: The NDI score of the two groups increased significantly after 6 weeks of treatment (p<0.001) and there was a significant difference between the EG group at 3 weeks (p<0.05) and 6 weeks (p<0.01). The thickness of the deep neck flexor in the CG group increased significantly after 6 weeks of treatment in all pressure stages (p<0.001). The EG group showed a significant increase after 3 and 6 weeks of treatment in all pressure stage (p<0.001), and 22 mmHg, a significant difference between 3 and 6 weeks (p<0.05) and among 24, 28, and 30 mmHg at 6 weeks (p<0.05). The maximum muscle strength of the deep neck flexion muscles increased significantly in the two groups after 6 weeks of treatment (p<0.001) and there was significant difference between the EG group at 6 weeks (p<0.01). Conclusion: Craniocervical flexion exercise with vibratory stimulus decreases the NDI, and increases the thickness of the deep neck flexor and maximum muscle strength of the deep neck flexion muscles in patients with mild neck pain.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.361-368
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to develop a hand rehabilitation training system for hemiplegic patients. We also tried to find out five hand postures (WF: Wrist Flexion, WE: Wrist Extension, BG: Ball Grip, HG: Hook Grip, RE: Rest) in real-time using multi-channel EMG-based deep learning. We performed a pre-processing method that converts to Spider Chart image data for the classification of hand movement from five test subjects (total 1,500 data sets) using Convolution Neural Networks (CNN) deep learning with an 8-channel armband. As a result of this study, the recognition accuracy was 92% for WF, 94% for WE, 76% for BG, 82% for HG, and 88% for RE. Also, ten physical therapists participated for the usability evaluation. The questionnaire consisted of 7 items of acceptance, interest, and satisfaction, and the mean and standard deviation were calculated by dividing each into a 5-point scale. As a result, high scores were obtained in immersion and interest in game (4.6±0.43), convenience of the device (4.9±0.30), and satisfaction after treatment (4.1±0.48). On the other hand, Conformity of intention for treatment (3.90±0.49) was relatively low. This is thought to be because the game play may be difficult depending on the degree of spasticity of the hemiplegic patient, and compensation may occur in patient with weakened target muscles. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a rehabilitation program suitable for the degree of disability of the patient.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.211-216
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• 2017

A total of 100 seafoods commonly consumed in Gyeonggi-do were investigated to determine the concentration of lead (Pb), total mercury (Hg), methyl mercury (MeHg), cadmium (Cd) and selenium (Se). Concentration of heavy metals and selenium was measured by using mercury analyzer, ICP-MS and GC-ECD. The average content (mg/kg) of heavy metals in the seafood samples was as follows; Pb 0.0915 (0.0021-0.4490), Cd 0.0084 (ND-0.1773), and Hg 0.0412 (0.0013-0.3032). All the levels were below the recommended standards of the MFDS in Pb (0.5 mg/kg), Cd (0.2 mg/kg), Hg (0.5 mg/kg). The methylmercury was detected in the hairtail (0.0677 mg/kg) and cod (0.2941 mg/kg). After the average content of heavy metals in seafood was determined, the exposure assessment for heavy metals was conducted. Relative hazardous levels compared to PTWI were lower than the official standards of the JECFA for Pb (0.97%), Hg (3.42%) Cd (0.45%). In conclusion, the levels presented in this study are presumed to be safe for consumption.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.562-570
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• 2019

The heavy metal concentrations in dried seafoods commonly consumed in Gyeonggi-do were analyzed. Concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) were measured in 95 samples with an inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) and an Hg analyzer. The average concentration [mean±SD(minimum-maximum) mg/kg] of heavy metals were as follows: Pb 0.062±0.071(0.002-0.428), Cd 0.083±0.100(0.004-0.540), Hg 0.012±0.012(N.D-0.054) and Se 0.839±0.371(0.362-2.124). All the levels were below the recommended standards of the MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety). In the comparison of heavy metal content by anchovy size, it was shown that mercury was significantly higher in large anchovy (P<0.05). Selenium levels were found to differ significantly in small anchovy and large anchovy (P<0.05). Pb, Cd and Hg were significantly higher in Tiger prawn among shrimp (P<0.05). The heavy metal and selenium levels of anchovy and shad were highest in the intestine. However, the heavy metal and selenium levels of shrimp were highest in the head. In addition, weekly (monthly) intake of mercury and cadmium from dried seafoods was found to be 0.712% and 2.978% of PTW(M)I (Provisional Tolerable Weekly(Monthly) Intake) respectively. Therefore, it was found that dried seafoods were safe for consumption.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.123-131
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• 1983

1) To delineate the role of central ${\alpha}_2-adrenoceptors$ in the pressor response to raised intracranial pressure(ICP), the influence of yohimbine, an ${alpha}_2-adrenoceptor$ antagonist, on the pressor response to raised ICP was investigated in urethane-anesthetized rabbits. 2) The ICP was raised by infusing saline into a balloon placed in the epidural space. The rise of ICP was slow in the beginning of the infusion but it became sharp as the infusion proceeded. 3) In response to raised ICP, blood pressure(BP) tended to decrease slightly in the beginning and then increased sharply. BP, however, fell abruptly and markedly if ICP was raised further. The maximal pressor response to raised ICP was the increase of $49{\pm}2.4%$ of the original $BP(mean{\pm}SE\;in\;32\;experiments)$, and at this point the volume of saline infused into the balloon was $1.22{\pm}0.15\;ml$, and the ICP $165{\pm}6.4\;mmHg$. 4) Intraventricular yohimbine $(50{\mu}g)$ by itself did not affect BP. After the administration of this dose of yohimbine the increase of both ICP and BP was observed after the infusion of much smaller volume of saline than in the control animals, i.e., after the infusion of $0.83{\pm}0.02\;ml$ of saline the maximal increase of preesor response$(57{\pm}4.5%\;in\;6\;experiments)$ appeared and at this state the ICP was $164{\pm}9.6\;mmHg$. 5) Intraventricular $clonidine(30{\mu}g)$ markedly decreased BP by itself, and in the clonidine-treated rabbits the increase of ICP induced by the infusion was much less than in the control group and the pressor response to raised ICP was hardly seen. 6) The hypotensive effect of intraventricular clonidine was reversed by a susequent intraventricular $yohimbine(500\;{\mu}g)$. At this state the pressor response to raised ICP appeared as in the control animals. 7) These results show that the pressor response to raised ICP was facilitated when ${\alpha}_2-adrenoceptors$ in the rabbit brain was blocked by yohimbine and that yohimbine antagonized the inhibitory effect of clonidine on the pressor response to raised ICP.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.251-257
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• 1995

Three PEA (Pulverised Fuel Ash) samples, which were fresh, 17 and some 40 years weathered, were collected from two major British power plants. Batch leaching tests with these samples using distilled water and simulated industrial leachate showed higher amounts of element liberation from fresh ash, including Ca, Na, K, S (as $SO^{2-}_4$, $Cr_{total}$, Cu, Li Ni, Mo and CI and this seems to indicate their surface association and easier dissolution when contact with water. On the contrary Mg, Al, Ba, Si, V, As and Se do not show such readily leachable concentrations and these elements might be more associated with glass fraction in PFA particle rather than surface. Although element concentrations in the weathered ash are much lower than those in the initial leachate from the fresh ash, elements are still detected as resonable concentrations, with rather constant levels and this seems to demonstrate the element release from unstable glass phase of PFA particle. Fe, Ca, $Cr_{total}$, Cu, Ni, Zn and Hg were removed from the synthetic leachate by PFA and this is also confirmed by gain in solid PFA. The order of element retention is Meaford weathered ash > Drax weathered ash > Drax fresh ash in decreasing order and this conforms with the degree of weathering. Namely, the more wethered, the more wethered, the more effective in metal retention from the synthetic leachate.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.276-286
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• 2013

This study was performed to investigate the contents characteristics of hazardous oil wastes and wastes of liquid fuels from different industrial process. In order to establish a hazardous waste list, samples of various industrial discharge have been analyzed for 16 non-regulated inorganic hazardous substances (i.e., Cu, Pb, Cd, CN, Hg, As, T-Cr, $Cr^{6+}$, Sb, Ni, F, V, Ba, Zn, Be, Se). In more detail, hazardous waste samples including waste hydraulic oils, waste engine, gear and lubricating oils, waste insulating and heat transmission oils, bilge oils, oil/water separator contents processing were collected from 37 workplaces and analyzed. We observed that the most of the inorganic substances exceeded the proposed criteria in many samples. Especially the concentration of Sb in heat transmission oil, bilge oil and gear & lubricating oils were ranged from 6 to 419 mg/kg whereas the proposed criteria is 50 mg/kg. The assessment result of hazardous waste in Korea according to the EWC showed that the out of 24 processes, 16 belongs to absolute entry and 8 belongs to mirror entry. In conclusion, we expect the outcome of this study to align the classification system of hazardous waste management in South Korea with international legislations, and consequently contribute to reduce environmental pollution as well as health risks by toxic wastes.