• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.92-100
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• 2013

Purpose: To investigate the clinicopathologic effects of cyclosporine A (CsA) in children with diseases characterized by mesangial immunoglobulin A deposits such as immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) and Henoch-Sch$\ddot{o}$nlein purpura nephritis (HSPN). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathologic outcomes of 54 children (IgAN, 36; HSPN, 18) treated with CsA. The starting dose of CsA was 5 mg/kg per day, and it was administered in 2 divided doses. The degree of proteinuria and pathologic changes in renal biopsies were evaluated before and after CsA treatment. Results: The mean protein to creatinine ratio decreased from $3.7{\pm}1.5$ to $0.6{\pm}0.4$(P <0.001), and 32 (59.2%) children achieved complete remission of proteinuria after 1-year CsA treatment. Among the 54 children, 24 maintained normal renal function and 25 exhibited microscopic hematuria or proteinuria at the end of CsA treatment. In the HSPN group, 3 children whose initial biopsies indicated class IIIb disease showed class II disease on follow-up, and the follow-up biopsies of 2 children who had class II disease indicated the same class II disease. In the IgAN group, cortical tubular atrophy occurred in 1 child, and no child with IgAN had cortical interstitial fibrosis or tubular atrophy after 1-year CsA treatment. No significant complications were found in the children treated with CsA. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that CsA treatment is effective and beneficial in reducing massive proteinuria and preventing progression to end-stage renal failure in children with glomerular diseases characterized by IgA deposits, such as IgAN and HSPN, within 1 year of treatment.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.774-782
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• 2006

This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of an ethanol extract of lotus root (LRE) on alcohol-induced liver damage in rat. Sprague-Dawley rae weighing $100{\sim}150g$, were divided into 6 groups: basal diet group (BD), alcohol (35% 10 mL/kg/day) teated stoup (ET), LRE 200 mg/kg/day teated group (BD-LREL). LRE 400 mg/kg/day treated group (BD-LREH), LRE 200 mg/kg/day and alcohol treated group (ET-LREL), and LRE 400 3mg/kg/day and alcohol teated group (ET-LREH). After the administration, rats were sacrificed to get serum and liver to analyze antioxidant enzyme activity, glutathione and lipid peroxide contents. The body weight gain and feed efficiency ratio were decreased by alcohol administration, however, were gradually increased to a little lower level than the basal diet group by the combined administration of alcohol and LRE. The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), asparate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities that were elevated by alcohol were significantly decreased by LRE administration. It was also observed that thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content, xanthine oxidase (XO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in liver that were increased by alcohol, were markedly decreased in the combined alcohol and LRE administered groups as compared with the alcohol administrated group. These effect of LRE within the alcohol groups were in a dose-dependent manner. The glutathione (GSH) content in liver was decreased by alcohol administration, however, increased after administering LRE. Teken together, these result suggest that ethanol extract of lotus root may have a possible protective effect on liver function in hepatotoxicity-induced rat by alcohol administration.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.153-164
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• 1999

The solubilization of BTEX was evaluated in aqueous surfactant solutions with and without several additives. Anionic surfactant(Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, SDS) and nonionic surfactants (NEODOL(equation omitted)25-3 and $SOFTANOL\circledR-90$ were used as test surfactants. The effects of surfactant HLB(Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance) Number and hydrocarbon molar volume and polarity of BTEX on the MSR(Molar Solubilization Ratio), micelle-water partition coefficient of BTEX, and CMC(C,itical Micelle Concentration) were investigated. Optimizing treatment conditions applicable to enhanced solubilization was also studied by manupulating salinity or electrolyte control with additives of ethyl alcohol, hydrotrope, and electrolyte solution. The most effective surfactant for solubilization was found $SOFTANOL\circledR-90$, since HLB number of 13.6 is similar to those values of BTEX ranging between 11.4 and 12.2, which was also proved experimentally. Ethyl alchohol of 3% was the most effective additives in reducing CMC and improving solubilization among the conditions using SDS, NEODOL(equation omitted)25-3, and $SOFTANOL\circledR-90$ with three additives. The partitioning of BTEX between surfactant micelles and aqueous solutions was characterized by a mole fraction micelle-phase/aqueous phase partion coefficient, $K_m$. Values of log $K_m$. for BTEX compounds in surfactant solutions of this study range from 2.95 to 3.76(100mM SDS) and 2.95 to 3.49(117mM $SOFTANOL\circledR-90$. Log $K_m$ appears to be a linear function of log $K_{ow}$ for SDS and $SOFTANOL\circledR-90$. A knowledge of partitioning of BTEX in aqueous surfactant system can be a prerequisite for the understanding of the behavior of hydrophobic organic compounds in soil-water systems in which surfactants play a role in remediation of contaminated soil and facilitated transport.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.42-51
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• 2004

Peat humin(p-Humin), humic acid(p-HA) and fulvic acid(p-FA) were isolated from Canadian Sphagnum peat moss by dissolution in 0.1M NaOH followed by acid precipitation. After purification cycles, they are characterized for their elemental compositions and, acid/base properties. Functionalities and carbon structures of the humic fractions were also characterized using FT-IR and solid state $^{13}C$-NMR spectroscopy. Those results are compared with one another and with soil humic substances from literatures. Main purpose of this study was to present a chemical and spectroscopic characterization data of humic substance from peat moss needed to evaluate its environmental applicability. The relative proportions of the p-Humin, p-HA and p-FA in the peat moss was $76\%,\;18\%,\;and\;3\%$, respectively, based on the total organic matter content ($957{\pm}32\;g/kg$). Elemental composition of p-Humin were found to be $C_{1.00}H_{1.52}O_{0.79}N_{0.01}$ and had higher H/C and (N+O)/C ratio compared to those of p-HA($C_{1.00}H_{1.09}O_{0.51}N_{0.02}$) and p-FA($C_{1.00}H_{1.08}O_{0.65}N_{0.01}$). Based on the analysis of pH titration data, there are two different types of acidic functional groups in the peat moss and its humic fractions and their proton exchange capacities(PEC, meq/g) were in the order p-FA(4.91) >p-HA(4.09) >p-Humin(2.38). IR spectroscopic results showed that the functionalities of the peat moss humic molecules are similar to those of soil humic substances, and carboxylic acid(-COOH) is main function group providing metal binding sites for Cd(II) sorption. Spectral features obtained from $^{13}C$-NMR indicated that peat moss humic molecules have rather lower degree of humification, and that important structural differences exist between p-Humin and soluble humic fractions(p-HA and p-FA).

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.207-212
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• 2001

Purpose: Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is relatively common in childhood. Its extrapulmonary manifestations have been reported so much, but hepatitis associated with it has not been studied yet until now in Korea. Methods: We performed the prospective study of 19 cases that had AST and ALT>50 IU/L respectively without evidence of hepatitis A, B, C, cytomegalovirus, and Ebstein-Barr virus infections amongst 143 patients with M. pneumoniae pneumonia who were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Seoul Red Cross Hospital from Jan. 1999 to Dec. 2000. Results: 1) Hepatitis occurred in 13.3% of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, especially in fall and winter times. The average age was 4.86 years and male to female ratio was 2.2:1. 2) Vomiting was developed in 21.1%, diarrhea in 36.8%, and hepatomegaly in 21.1%, respectively. And leukocytosis was noted in 21.1%, eosinophilia in 15.4%, anemia in 10.5%, and thrombocytosis in 5.3%, respectively. The average level of C-reactive protein was $6.34{\pm}4.82$ mg/dl. 3) There was no hyperbilirubinemia, but hypoalbuminemia was detected in 42.1%. The average serum levels of AST and ALT were $214.05{\pm}183.22$ IU/L and $284.16{\pm}286.84$ IU/L, respectively. 4) Chest radiology showed lobar or lobular consolidation in 73.7%, bronchial infiltration in 26.3%, and pleural effusion in 31.6%. 5) The average length of hospitalization was 7.9 days, and the average length of normalization of serum transaminases was 8.8 days. All patients recovered within 2 weeks completely. Conclusion: The prognosis of M. pneumoniae hepatitis is good. However, its incidence is not so low that liver function should be considerately checked in case of M. pneumoniae infection.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.152-157
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• 1997

From August 1986 until June 1995, single aortic valve replacement was performed in 65 patients at the Chonnam National University Hospital. worthy-eight were male and 17 were female patients, ranging from 19 to 68 years of age(median : 43 years). The causes of the valve lesions were rheumatic in 29 patients (44.6%), bicuspid aortic valve in 6 patients (6.2%), endocarditis in 6 patients(6.2%), unknown in others. Concomitant surgical procedures were performed in 10 patients : repair of congenital defect in 5, pericardiectomy in 1, coronary artery bypass grafting in 1, noncoronary sinus plication in 1, Valsalva sinus aneurysmectomy in 1, subaortic membrane resection in 1 Used valves were 51. Jude-Medical valve in 42, Duromedics valve in 22, Bjork-Shiley valve in 2, Carpentier-Edward valve in 1. There were 3 hospital deaths (4.6%), and 2 late deaths (3.2%). Follow-up was 95.2% complete. The 10-year acturlal survival rate was 85.3%. Postoperative complications were low cardiac utput in 8, arrythmia in 5, valve related hemolysis in 1, cerebral infarction in 1, and gastrointestinal bleeding in 2. Reoperation was performed in 4 for surgical bleeding, in 3 for paravalvular leak. The mean improvement in New York Heart Association functional class is from 2.79 $\pm$ 0.66 preoperatively to 1.25 $\pm$ 0.49 postoperatively(p < 0.001) The change of cardiothoracic ratio from preoperative to postoperative is 0.57 $\pm$ 0.06 to 0.54 $\pm$ 0.05 (p < 0.05). The left ventricular ejection fraction change is not significant perioperatively. There are no mechanical failures. This early and intermediate-term follow-up suggests that in adults in whom valve repair is not possible, the mechanical valve is a reliable and durable prosthesis with good hemodynamic function and a low rate of thromboembolic event.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.992-999
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• 1998

Background: To correlate the emphysema score for quantification of the overall extent of emphysema in both lungs by CT with physiologic fingings and to get more objective and simple method to assess the extent of emphysema. Method: Thin-section CT and pulmonary function test(PFT) were performed in 17 patients with emphysema (all males, mean age, 62 years). Emphysema score was obtained as percentage of emphysematous lung area, dividing the total area of the emphysema(voxels with attenuation value less than -880, -900, -920HU, respectively) by the overall area of both lungs(voxels with attenuation value less than -400HU) with highlighting voxels using "Density mask" program. Emphysema score was calculated from whole lung(ESV) and 5 representative scans(ESR) using "Density mask", Visual emphysema score(ESV) was obtained by visual assessment from 5 representative scans. Correlation of these emphysema scores(ESW, ESR, ESV) and physiologic findings were performed, comparing the ESW with ESR and ESV. Results: ESW had correlation with DLCO(r=0.53-0.64) and $FEV_1/FVC$(r=0.42-0.57) among PFT parameters. ESR had good correlation with ESW and with PFT parameters as well. ESV did not correlate with PFT parameters except DLCO. Conclusion: CT quantification of emphysema using "density mask" correlated well with physiologic findings. To assess the severity of emphysema, both ESW and ESR are more reliable than ESV, and ESR is recommended in routine practice as it is objective, simple and reliable.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.84-95
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• 1995

A clinical and histopathological study was performed on ninety-four patients with nephrotic syndrome (91 idiopathic and 3 secondary) who were admitted to Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University Hospital during the period of nine years, from January 1985 to May 1994. The results were as following. 1. the ratio of male to female was 1.76:1. In young age group, minimal change was the most predominant type. In old age group, membranous glomerulonephritis and focal glomerulosclerosis were predominant types. 2. The primary nephrotic syndromes were 96.8% and secondary nephrotic syndromes were 3.2%. Histopathologic findings of 94 renal biopsy tissue were classified into minimal change (43.6%), mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (29.8%), membranous glomerulonephritis (12.8%), TypeI membranous proliferative glomerulonephritis (4.3%), focal glomerulosclerosis (3.2%) and others (6.4%). 3. The response of eighty-six patients treated with steroid showed complete remission in 51.2%, partial remission in 20.9%, steroid dependent in 2.3%, and no effect in 25.6% of cases respectively. The response to steroid therapy was most effective in the patients with minimal change lesion. 4. In the patient with membranous proliferative glomerulonephlitis, long-term angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor treatment showed less deterioration of renal function.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.79-87
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• 2004

To investigate antioxidative effects of phenolic compounds separated from persimmon leaves(PL)(Diospyros kaki Thunb.) on the ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rat, Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 100-150 g were divided into 5 groups; control group(CON), PL(70 mg/kg) administered group(PEl), ethanol(5 mL/kg, 25％) administered group(ETH), PL(70 mg/kg) and ethanol administered group (PE2), and PL(140 mg/kg) and ethanol administered group(PE3), respectively. The antioxidative activity of persimmon leaves decreased in order of ethylacetate>interphase materials>n-butanol>chloroform>n-hexane>water fraction. The growth rate and feed efficiency ratio decreased by ethanol were gradually increased to the adjacent level of CON by administering PL. The serum activities of ALT, alkaline phosphatase and lactic acid dehydrogenase elevated by ethanol were decreased significantly. It was also observed that the activities of SOD, catalase, and GSH-Px of rat liver increased by ethanol were markedly decreased in PL administered group as compared to ETH. The GSH content of liver was decreased by ethanol, but that was increased in PE1 and PE2 compared with ETH as a dose-dependant manner. These results suggested that phenolic compounds separated from persimmon leaves have a possible protective and relievable effect on the ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.280-287
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• 2008

We investigated the effect of dietary mulberry leaf powder (MP) on loperamide-induced constipation in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given MP in their diets at a concentration of 0% 5% and 10% for 33 days. Rats were divided into 4 groups: normal diet group (NOR), normal diet and loperamide treated group (MPL0), 5% MP and loperamide treated group (MPL5), and 10% MP and loperamide treated group (MPL10). Constipation was induced by subcutaneous injection of loperamide (1.5 mg/kg body weight/day) for the final 5 days of the experiment Supplemental MP had no effect on the food efficiency ratio, but it reduced body weight gain and food intake in a concentration dependent manner. Administration of loperamide decreased food intake. MP had a concentration-dependent effect on decreasing total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides and on increasing HDL-cholesterol. Loperamide had no significant effect on serum lipid profiles. Loperamide decreased the number and wet weight of fecal pellets and fecal water content MP increased the number and wet weight of fecal pellets and fecal water content in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, MP increased gut transit time and transit speed, and the guts of mts treated with MP plus loperamide were longer than those of mts treated with loperamide alone. These results indicate that MP is an effective treatment for constipation.