• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.229-234
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• 2015

Nafamostat mesilate (NM) is a serine protease inhibitor with anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory effects. NM has been used in Asia for anticoagulation during extracorporeal circulation in patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy and extra corporeal membrane oxygenation. Oxidative stress is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease and is associated with vascular endothelial function. We investigated whether NM could inhibit endothelial dysfunction induced by tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$ ). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with TNF-${\alpha}$ for 24 h. The effects of NM on monocyte adhesion, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) protein expression, p38 mitogenactivated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, and intracellular superoxide production were then examined. NM ($0.01{\sim}100{\mu}g/mL$) did not affect HUVEC viability; however, it inhibited the increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and p66shc expression elicited by TNF-${\alpha}$ (3 ng/mL), and it dose dependently prevented the TNF-${\alpha}$ -induced upregulation of endothelial VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. In addition, it mitigated TNF-${\alpha}$ -induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation and the adhesion of U937 monocytes. These data suggest that NM mitigates TNF-${\alpha}$ -induced monocyte adhesion and the expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules, and that the anti-adhesive effect of NM is mediated through the inhibition of p66shc, ROS production, and p38 MAPK activation.

• Journal of Radiation Industry
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.325-332
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• 2018

Carotid angiography covering the aortic arch includes contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CEA), which is applied to a large region and usually employs contrast media. However, the use of contrast media can be dangerous in infants, pregnant women, and patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Follow-up patients informed of a lesion may also want to avoid constant exposure to contrast media. We aimed to apply time-of-flight (TOF) angiography to a large region and compare its usefulness with that of CEA. Ten patients (mean age, 58 years; range, 45~75 years) who visited our hospital for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) participated in this study. A 3.0 Tesla Achieva magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system (Philips, Netherland) and the SENSE NeuroVascular 16-channel coil were employed for both methods. Both methods were applied simultaneously to the same patient. Three TOF stacks were connected to cover the aortic arch through the circle of Willis, and CEA was applied in the same manner. For the quantitative assessment, the acquired images were used to set the regions of interest (ROIs) in the common carotid artery (CCA) bifurcation, internal carotid artery, external carotid artery, middle cerebral artery, and vertebral artery, and to obtain the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for the soft tissues. Three radiologists and one radiological resident performed the qualitative assessment on a 5-point scale - 1 point, "very bad"; 2 points, "bad"; 3 points, "average"; 4 points, "good"; and 5 points, "very good" - with regard to 4 items: (1) sharpness, (2) distortion, (3) vein contamination, and (4) expression of peripheral vessels. For the quantitative assessment, we estimated the mean SNR and CNR in each of the 5 ROIs. In general, the mean SNR was higher in TOF angiography (166.1, 205.2, 154.39, 172.23, and 161.95) than in CEA(92.05, 95.43, 84.76, 73.69, and 88.3). Both methods had a similar mean CNR: 67.62, 106.71, 55.9, 73.74, and 63.46 for TOF angiography, and 67.82, 71.19, 60.52, 49.45, and 64.07 for CEA. In all ROIs, the mean SNR was statistically significant (p<0.05), whereas the mean CNR was insignificant (p>0.05). The mean values of TOF angiography and CEA for each item in the qualitative assessment were 4.2 and 4.28, respectively for item 1; 2.93 and 4.55, respectively, for item 2; 4.6 and 3.13, respectively, for item 3; and 2.88 and 4.65, respectively, for item 4. Therefore, TOF angiography had a higher mean for item 3, and CEA had a higher mean for items 2 and 4; there was no significant difference between the two methods for item 1. The results for item 1 were statistically insignificant (p>0.05), whereas the results for items 2~4 were statistically significant (p<0.05). Both methods have advantages and disadvantages and they complement each other. However, CEA is usually applied to a large region covering the aortic arch. Time-of-flight angiography may be useful for people such as infants, pregnant women, CRF patients, and followup patients for whom the use of contrast media can be dangerous or unnecessary, depending on the circumstance.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.8
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• pp.879-887
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• 2019

This study investigated the localization and changes in the concentration of injected mercury in the kidney, liver, and spleen of mice. To evaluate changes in the concentration of mercury over time, the mice were euthanized 10, 150, and 300 days post-treatment. Localization of accumulated mercury was identified by the autometallography method. Mercury was densely located in the supranuclear cytoplasm of epithelial cells of proximal tubules of the kidney but was not detected in the glomerulus 10 days post-treatment. In the liver, mercury was mainly found in hepatocytes around the portal vein and in sinusoidal Kupffer cells 10 days post-treatment. Mercury was scattered throughout both white and red pulp of the spleen 10 days post-treatment. In terms of changes in the concentration of mercury, the levels were lower in the renal cortex and medulla 150 and 300 days post-treatment as compared with those 10 days post-treatment. Mercury was found at low concentrations in liver hepatocytes 150 and 300 days post-treatment. The mercury concentration was also low in both the white and red pulp of the spleen 150 and 300 days post-treatment. Therefore, the concentrations of accumulated mercury in the kidney, liver, and spleen 150 and 300 days post-treatment were lower than those 10 days post-treatment. We identified the localization of mercury in cells and tissues of several organs and observed that accumulated mercury in organs decreased naturally over time.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.331-336
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• 2009

Background: Open surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms was initiated by Dubost in 1952. Despite the rapid expansion of percutaneous endovascular repair, open surgical repair is still recognized for curative intent. We retrospectively analyzed surgical outcome, complications, and mortality-related factors for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms over a 6 year period. Material and Method: We analyzed 18 patients who underwent surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysms between March 2002 and March 2008. The indications for surgery were rupture, a maximal aortic diameter >60 mm, medically intractable hypertension, or pain. Result: The mean age was $66.6{\pm}9.3$ years (range, $49\sim81$ years). Twelve patients (66.7%) were males a 6 patients were females. Extension of the aneurysm superior to the renal artery existed in 6 patients (33.3%), and extension to the iliac artery existed in 13 patients (72.2%). Five patients (27.8%) had ruptured aortic aneurysms. The mean maximal diameter of the aorta was $72.2{\pm}12.9$ mm (range, $58\sim109$ mm). Surgery was performed by a midline laparotomy, and 6 patients underwent emergency surgery. The mean total ischemic time from aorta clamping to revascularization was $82{\pm}42$ minutes (range, $35\sim180$ minutes). The mortality rate was 16.7%; the mortality rate for patients with ruptured aneurysms was 60%, and the mortality rate for patients with unruptured aneurysms was 0%. The postoperative complications included one each of renal failure, femoral artery and vein occlusion, and wound infection. The patients who were discharged had a long-term survival of $34{\pm}26$ months (range, $4\sim90$ months). Rupture and emergency surgery had a statistically significant mortality-related factor (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Emergency surgery for ruptured aortic aneurysms continues to have a high mortality, but unruptured cases are repaired with relative safety. Successfully operated patients had long-term survival. Even though endovascular aortic repair is the trend for abdominal aortic aneurysms, aggressive application should be determined with care. Experience and systemic support of each center is important in the treatment plan.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.154-159
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• 2004

The arteriovenous fistula (AVF), which maintains satisfactory blood flow, is necessary to the patients of end-stage renal disease for the long term hemodialysis. We performed the snuffbox fistula as the first operation for hemodialysis vascular access. This study was performed to investigate the patency rates, complications, risk factors for occlusion of the AVF, and the types of reoperations. Material and Method: We performed 146 snuffbox fistulas from Jun. 1994 to Dec. 2001 The records of the patients except six patients who were lost from follow up were analyzed retrospectively, Mean age and male:female ratio were 52$\pm$15 years (range, 17∼79 years) and 80 : 60 respectively. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were combined in 47 patients and 101 respectively. Preoperative levels of creatinine and potassium were 9.09$\pm$3.68 mg/dL (range, 2.55∼20.09 mg/dL) and 4.7$\pm$0.9 mmol/L (range, 2.3∼8.1 mmol/L). One hundred thirteen cases of the snuffbox fistulas were done at left side hand and the others at right hand. Result: Mean follow up period of the patients was 41.8$\pm$31.0 months (range, 0.2∼108,8 months). During the follow up period, 35 occlusions of AVF occurred and these AVFs were patent for 9.8$\pm$10.1 months (range, 0.1∼40.4 months). The patency rates of f month, and 1, 2, 3, 5 years were known as 92.8, 80.2, 73.8, 71.3, 69.6% respectively. Right sided snuffbox fistulas (p-value=0.045) and old age (p-value=0.048) were revealed as significant risk factors for occlusion of AVF. The postoperative complications consisted of occlusions of AVF caused by intimal hyperplasia of vein in 24, thrombosis in nine, stenosis of anastomosis site in three, and venous hypertensions in two. After the first operation 37 patients underwent 86 reoperations. Conclusion: The snuffbox fistulas showed acceptable patency rates and low complication rates. The snuffbox fistulas as the first operation for AVF formation can be a good option for the patients with end-stage renal disease.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.303-311
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• 2000

Purpose: Thallium behaves similarly to potassium in vivo. Potassium channel opener (K-opener) opens ATP-sensitive $K^+$-channel located at cell membrane, resulting in potassium efflux from cytosol. We have previously reported that K-opener can alter biokinetics of Tl-201 in cultured cells and in vivo. Malignant tumor cells have high Na-K ATPase activity due to increased metabolic activities and dedifferentiation, and differential delineation of malignant tumor can be possible with Tl-201 imaging. K-opener may affect tumoral uptake of Tl-201 in vivo. To investigate the effects of pinacidil (one of the potent K-openers) on the localization of the tumor with Tl-201 chloride, we evaluated the changes in biodistribution of Tl-201 with pinacidil treatment in tumor-bearing mice. Materials and Methods: Baltic mice received subcutaneous implantation of murine breast cancer cells in the thigh and were used for biodistribution study 3 weeks later. $100{\mu}g$ of pinacidil dissolved in $200{\mu}l$ DMSO/PBS solution was injected intravenously via tail vein at 10 min after 185 KBq ($5{\mu}Ci$) Tl-201 injection. Percentage organ uptake and whole body retention ratio of Tl-201 were measured at various periods after injection, and values were compared between control and pinacidil-treated mice. Results: Pinacidil treatment resulted in mild decrease in blood levels of Tl-201, but renal uptakes were markedly decreased at 30-min, 1- and 2-hour, compared to control group. Hepatic, intestinal and muscular uptake were not different. Absolute percentage uptake and tumor to blood ratios of Tl-201 were lower in pinacidil treated mice than in the control group at all time points measured. Whole body retention ratio of Tl-201 was lower in pinacidil treated mice ($58{\pm}4%$ ), than in the control group ($67{\pm}3%$) at 24 hours after with injection of $100{\mu}g$ pinacidil. Conclusion: K-opener did not enhance, but rather decreased absolute tumoral uptake and tumor-to-blood ratios of Tl-201. Decreased whole body retention ratio and renal uptake were observed with pinacidil treatment in tumor-bearing mice.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.472-480
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• 1998

We reviewed the surgical results of intracardiac lateral tunnel Fontan procedure for the repair of functional single ventricles. Between 1990 and 1996, 104 patients underwent total cavopulmonary anastomosis. Patients' age and body weight averaged 35.9(range 10 to 173) months and 12.8(range 6.5 to 37.8) kg. Preoperative diagnoses included 18 tricuspid atresias and 53 double inlet ventricles with univentricular atrioventricular connection and 33 other complex lesions. Previous palliative operations were performed in 50 of these patients, including 37 systemic to pulmonary artery shunts, 13 pulmonary artery bandings, 15 surgical atrial septectomies, 2 arterial switch procedures, 2 resections of subaortic conus, 2 repairs of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection and 1 Damus-Stansel-Kaye procedure. In 19 patients bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt operation was performed before the Fontan procedure and in 1 patient a Kawashima procedure was required. Preoperative hemodynamics revealed a mean pulmonary artery pressure of 14.6(range 5 to 28) mmHg, a mean pulmonary vascular resistance of 2.2(range 0.4 to 6.9) wood-unit, a mean pulmonary to systemic flow ratio of 0.9(range 0.3 to 3.0), a mean ventricular end-diastolic pressure of 9.0 (range 3.0 to 21.0) mmHg, and a mean arterial oxygen saturation of 76.0(range 45.6 to 88.0)%. The operative procedure consisted of a longitudinal right atriotomy 2cm lateral to the terminal crest up to the right atrial auricle, followed by the creation of a lateral tunnel connecting the orifices of either the superior caval vein or the right atrial auricle to the inferior caval vein, using a Gore-Tex vascular graft with or without a fenestration. Concomitant procedures at the time of Fontan procedure included 22 pulmonary artery angioplasties, 21 atrial septectomies, 4 atrioventricular valve replacements or repairs, 4 corrections of anomalous pulmonary venous connection, and 3 permanent pacemaker implantations. In 31, a fenestration was created, and in 1 an adjustable communication was made in the lateral tunnel pathway. One lateral tunnel conversion was performed in a patient with recurrent intractable tachyarrhythmia 4 years after the initial atriopulmonary connection. Post-extubation hemodynamic data revealed a mean pulmonary artery pressure of 12.7(range 8 to 21) mmHg, a mean ventricular end-diastolic pressure of 7.6(range 4 to 12) mmHg, and a mean room-air arterial oxygen saturation of 89.9(range 68 to 100) %. The follow-up duration was, on average, 27(range 1 to 85) months. Post-Fontan complications included 11 prolonged pleural effusions, 8 arrhythmias, 9 chylothoraces, 5 of damage to the central nervous system, 5 infectious complications, and 4 of acute renal failure. Seven early(6.7%) and 5 late(4.8%) deaths occured. These results proved that the lateral tunnel Fontan procedure provided excellent hemodynamic improvements with acceptable mortality and morbidity for hearts with various types of functional single ventricle.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.9-14
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• 2001

Purpose : This study was undertaken to investigate clinical aspects of nutcracker syndrome in children including sexual distribution, age of onset, the ratio of peak flow velocity between the narrowed and dilated portions in the left renal vein and prevalence of hematuria or proteinuria. Materials and Method : The subjects included 30 patients diagnosed with nutcracker syndrome using Doppler sonography from September 1999 to January 2001 in Severance Hospital, Department of Pediatric Nephrology. The diagnostic criteria for nutcracker syndrome was a peak flow velocity of ratio is more than 5.0. Results : Patients consisted of 14 males and 16 females. The mean age was 9.19${\pm}$2.31 years old and the ratio of peak flow velocity was 8.52${\pm}$2.24. Age of onset us higher in males 9.68${\pm}$2.82 year old than in females, 8.76${\pm}$1.72 year old respectively(P<0.05). But there was no difference in the ratio of peak flow velocities ; 8.45${\pm}$2.31 in the male group , 8.58${\pm}$2.25 in the female group(P>0.05). There was no difference in the age of onset and the ratio of peak flow velocity between patients with hematuria and without hematuria. Among patients with nutcracker syndrome, 24 cases of hematuria, 3 cases of proteinuria only, and 3 cases of hematuria with proteinuria. Conclusion : In children of school age, early diagnosis of nutcracker syndrome and consistent follow up is worthy of consideration, especially ill the prevention of sequelae. (J. Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 5 : 9-14, 2001)

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.6 s.263
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• pp.449-455
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• 2006

Background: Female sex was known to be a risk factor for mortality after coronary bypass grafting (CABG), and women showed higher in-hospital mortality than men. Material and Method: Between 1992 and 1996, 147 consecutive patients (98 men and 49 women) undergoing CABG were included in the study. Most patients had undergone CABG with left internal thoracic artery and saphenous vein under cardiopulmonary bypass. We examined the influence of gender on survival after CABG and looked for risk factors for survival. Result: There was no in-hospital mortality in women, but 3 death (3.0%) in men. During the mean follow-up period of $138.5{\pm}23.0$ months, mortality was lower in women than in men (20.4% vs 44.9%, p=0.004), and the most common cause of death in women was chronic renal failure (40%). Survival in women at 1, 5, 10, and f4 years was 100%, $98.0{\pm}2.0%,\;81.2{\pm}5.6%,\;and\;78.4{\pm}6.1%$, respectively, which was better than in men (p=0.004). Although preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction was higher in women than in men, this did not affect early and long-term survival difference between two sexes (p=0.15). Risk factor for long-term survival in women was diabetes (p=0.033) and in men number of diseased coronary artery (p=0.006). Conclusion: Long-term survival after CABG was better in women than men. Risk factor for long-term survival in women was morbid disease rather than cardiac disease.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.1 s.258
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• pp.28-34
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• 2006

Background: There has been an increase in the number of elderly patients considered for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Recently, there were many satisfactory reports of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in old age due to the development in operative technique and postoperative management. We evaluated operative and follow-up results of patients 70 years of age and older compared to 60 years old. Material and Method: We retrospectively studied the cases of 74 consecutive patients 70 years or older (group A) who underwent a elective CABG from January 2000 to December 2003 and compared that of relatively young age group (group B, 60-69 years old). We compared preoperative characteristics, operation technique, postoperative results that effect outcome, also we investigated late mortality and cardiac events at follow-up periods. Result: Preoperative demographic and clinical characteristics of two groups were not different, except preoperative renal dysfunction(serum creatinine: $\geq$1.4 mg/dl) (group A 17, 23$\%$ vs group B 14, 9$\%$) (p=0.024). There was no difference of the mean number of distal anastomosis and the left ventricular ejection fraction in group A decreased significantly from 53.7$\pm$13$\%$ preoperatively to 49.9$\pm$ 12$\%$ postoperatively (p=0.02), but not changed in group B. There was no difference at operative mortality rate and postoperative major morbidity rate, but wound problem of saphenous vein harvest site was significantly higher in group A than group B (6.8$\%$ vs 0.7$\%$, p=0.02). The mean follow up duration was 24.3$\pm$13 months and the cumulative survival were 95.4$\%$ at 2 year and 79.9$\%$ at 4 year in group A and 95.4$\%$ at 2 year and 90.1$\%$ at 4 year in group B (p=ns). Conclusion: We conclude that age is not a factor of determination when we decide about operation because coronary artery bypass grafting in elderly more than 70 years old can be performed with a low mortality rate and acceptable morbidity rate.