• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제57권11호
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• pp.484-488
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• 2014

Purpose: Chronic upper airway obstruction causes hypoxemic pulmonary vasoconstriction, which may lead to right ventricle (RV) dysfunction. Adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) is the most common cause of upper airway obstruction in children. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate RV function in children with ATH. Methods: Twenty-one children (male/female, 15/6; mean age, $92.3{\pm}39.0$ months; age range, 4-15 years) with ATH and 21 healthy age- and gender-matched controls were included in this study. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and RV myocardial performance index were measured by transthoracic echocardiography. Further, the plasma level of N-terminal of probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), an indicator of RV function, was determined. Results: The snoring-tiredness during daytime-observed apnea-high blood pressure (STOP) questionnaire was completed by the patients' parents, and loud snoring was noted in the ATH group. The plasma NT-proBNP level was significantly higher in the ATH group than that in the controls ($66.44{\pm}37.63pg/mL$ vs. $27.85{\pm}8.89pg/mL$, P=0.001). The echocardiographic parameters were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion: We were unable to confirm the significance of echocardiographic evidence of RV dysfunction in the management of children with ATH. However, the plasma NT-proBNP level was significantly higher in the ATH group than that in the control, suggesting that chronic airway obstruction in children may carry a risk for cardiac dysfunction. Therefore, more patients should be examined using transthoracic echocardiography. In addition, pediatricians and otolaryngologists should consider cardiologic aspects during the management of children with severe ATH.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제38권4호
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• pp.244-250
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• 2014

Background: Panax ginseng has distinct and impressive health benefits, such as improved blood pressure and immune system functioning. Rg3-enriched Korean Red Ginseng (REKRG) isolated from Korean Red Ginseng contains a high percentage of Rg3. Methods: In this study, we examined the effects of REKRG on endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation and adhesion molecules in endothelial cells and vascular function in rats. Results: REKRG dose-dependently increased eNOS phosphorylation and nitric oxide (NO) production in endothelial cells. In addition, REKRG markedly inhibited the tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$)-mediated induction of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expressions in endothelial cells. REKRG improved endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in the Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) compared with controls. Furthermore, REKRG treatment for 6 weeks increased serum NO levels and reduced the mean aortic intima-media thickness compared with controls. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that REKRG increased vascular function and improved immune system functioning. Therefore, REKRG is a very useful food for preventing or improving various cardiovascular diseases.

• Kidney Research and Clinical Practice
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• 제37권4호
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• pp.356-365
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• 2018

Background: Woman kidney donors face obstetric complication risks after kidney donation, such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Studies on childbirth-related complications among Asian women donors are scarce. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included woman donors aged 45 years or younger at the time of kidney donation in a single tertiary hospital between 1985 and 2014. Pregnancy associated complications were investigated using medical records and telephone questionnaires for 426 pregnancies among 225 donors. Matched non-donor controls were selected by propensity score and the maternal and fetal outcomes were compared with those of donors. Primary outcomes were differences in maternal complications, and secondary outcomes were fetal outcomes in pregnancies of the donor and control groups. Results: A total of 56 cases had post-donation pregnancies. The post-donation pregnancies group was younger at the time of donation and older at the time of delivery than the pre-donation pregnancies group, and there were no differences in primary outcomes between the groups except the proportion receiving cesarean section. Comparison of the complication risk between post-donation pregnancies and non-donor matched controls showed no significant differences in gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or composite outcomes after propensity score matching including age at delivery, era at pregnancy, systolic blood pressure, body weight, and estimated glomerular filtration ratio (odds ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-2.14; P = 0.724). Conclusion: This study revealed that maternal and fetal outcomes between woman kidney donors and non-donor matched controls were comparable. Studies with general population pregnancy controls are warranted to compare pregnancy outcomes for donors.

• 한국식품저장유통학회지
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• 제14권4호
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• pp.431-437
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• 2007

The primary objective of this study was to determine the effects of abalone in reducing blood pressure and increasing anti-coagulant capacity. The serum angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) activities of rats on an abalone-supplemented diet did not significantly differ from the ACE levels of rats on a normal diet, at any time (before the experiment, or 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 4 weeks, after commencement of the abalone diet) during the experiment. This result showed that abalone-supplemented diets had no effect on the activity of ACE, which controls blood pressure. To determine if an abalone-containing diet might increase anti-coagulant capacity, both prothrombin (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) levels were measured. The PT levels of control rats remained constant throughout the experiment. In rats fed the abalone-containing diet, PT levels increased with time, and the increase became statistically significant after 2 weeks, when compared to pre-trial PT levels. Control rats showed no significant change in APTT levels over time. The rats fed abalone, however, showed significant differences in APTT levels. Specifically, when pre-trial APTT levels were compared with 4-week levels, and when 1-week levels were compared with 4-week levels, the differences attained statistical significance. These results indicate that an abalone-supplemented diet may inhibit blood coagulation in normal rats. The results of this study prove the inherent health value of abalone, and may encourage investment in the seafood industry. Future studies will explore other possible beneficial effects of abalone, apart from the anti-hypertension and anti-coagulant effects examined above.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.24-29
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• 1999

This study was conducted of investigate the antioxidant vitamins and serum lipids status of 23 healthy female subjects and 22 female patients suffering from cerebrovascular disease hospitalized at any of three of general hospitals in Taegu. The systolic blood pressure of patients suffering from cerebrovascular disease(151.4$\pm$30.2mmHg) was significantly higher than healthy controls(129.7$\pm$17.8mmHg). The frequency of drinking alcohol and smoking in patients was also higher. Analysis of patient and control dietary intakes revealed that all subjects were consuming the minimed recommended energy-nutrient levels. HDL-cholesterol(26.15 vs 37.74mg/dl), serum vitamin E(12.69 vs 17.74mg/l) and vitamin C(65.59 vs 152.50ug/dl) levels were significantly lower, but triglyceride(221.01 vs 87.30 mg/dl) and total-cholesterol / HDL-cholesterol levels(5.98 vs 4.89)were significantly higher in the patient group. According to the results of this study, it is expercted that refraining from smoking and drinking alcohol, cultivating healthy living habits which can decrease stress, and maintaining suitable levels of serum antioxidant vitamins can prevent the occurrence of cerebrovascular disease.

• Investigative and Clinical Urology
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• 제59권6호
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• pp.399-409
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• 2018

Purpose: To analyze data from an observational, prospective, cumulative registry study in 805 hypogonadal men stratified by mild or moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) according to International Prostate Symptom Score. Materials and Methods: A total of 412 men underwent testosterone therapy (TTh) with injectable testosterone undecanoate, 393 men served as untreated controls. Measures of urinary function, anthropometric and metabolic parameters were performed at least twice per year. Results: Data from 615 men with mild LUTS (253 treated, 362 untreated) and 190 with moderate-to-severe LUTS (159 treated, 31 untreated) were available. During a follow-up period of 8 years a significant improvement of LUTS was noted for all TTh-patients whereas the control-groups showed deterioration or fluctuation around initial values. Despite advancing age, TTh fully prevented worsening of symptoms. In parallel, a considerable improvement of anthropometric parameters, lipids and glycemic control, blood pressure, C-reactive protein, and quality of life was found. Moderate-to-severe LUTS was associated with worse cardiometabolic risk profile at baseline as well as worse cardiovascular outcomes during follow-up in comparison to mild LUTS. Effect size of TTh was more pronounced in men with moderate-to-severe than with mild LUTS. Conclusions: Correcting hypogonadism by TTh is highly effective and safe for improving LUTS in hypogonadal men. TTh may also improve cardiometabolic risk and major adverse cardiovascular events.

• 한국산학기술학회논문지
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• 제11권6호
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• pp.2093-2098
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• 2010

지방간은 대사증후군의 한 형태로 인슐린저항성이 중요한 역할을 한다. 본 연구는 당뇨 및 대사 인자들과 연관성이 있는 것으로 알려진 말초혈액의 사립체 DNA (mtDNA) copy 수와 지방간 및 인슐린저항성 관련 인자와의 연관성을 알아보고자 하였다. 지방간 진단을 위해 음주력 설문과 복부 초음파 검사를 시행하였으며 실시간 중합효소 연쇄반응을 이용하여 말초혈액의 백혈구에서 mtDNA copy 수를 측정하였다. 총 445 명의 대상자 중 지방간이 있는군(fatty liver group)은 148 명이고 정상군은 297 명이었다. 지방간이 있는 군에서 정상군에 비해 mtDNA copy수가 유의하게 낮았다. 비알콜성 지방간과 알코올성 지방간 모두 지방간이 있는 군에서 말초혈액 mtDNA copy 수가 낮았다. 말초혈액의 mtDNA copy 수는 ALT, AST, $\gamma$-GTP, 체질량지수, 허리둘레, 이완기혈압, 유리지방산 수치와 역의 상관관계를 보였다. 말초혈액에서의 mtDNA copy 수는 지방간 여부 및 인슐린저항성 관련 대사 인자들과 높은 연관성이 있었다.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.319-332
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• 1988

The regulations of renal function and renin release are influenced by neural, humoral and physical factors. During the last decade, considerable progress has been made in the identification and characterization of these extrinsic renal control systems. Mechanisms intrinsic to the kidney are also important for renal function. These include the autoregulation of blood flow, and the local control of renin secretion. Fundamental questions regarding the mechanism of these intrinsic controls remain unanswered. Recently, endogenous renal adenosine has been claimed to influence the tubuloglomerular feedback control and renin release. Two subclasses of adenosine receptors $A_1{\;}and{\;}A_2$ have been described. The present experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of $N_6-cyclohexyladenosine$ $(CHA,{\;}A_1{\;}selective)$ and 5'-N-ethylcarbox-amide adenosine $(NECA,{\;}A_2{\;}selective)$ on the renal function and renin release in the unanesthetized rabbit. Intra-renal arterial infusion of NECA $(0.3{\sim}10.0n{\;}mole/min/rabbit)$ or CHA $(0.03{\sim}10.0n{\;}mole/min/rabbit)$ caused a prompt and dose-dependent decrease in urine volume, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow (RPF), filtration fraction (FF), electrolyte excretion and free water clearance $(CH_2O)$, the effect being much more profound with CHA than with NECA. The NECA infusion resulted in a profound decrease of systemic blood pressure, but the CHA infusion did not. Both NECA and GHA infusions caused a prompt and dose-dependent decrease in renin secretion rate, again the effect being greater with CHA than with NEGA. These results suggest that both $A_1{\;}and{\;}A_2$ adenosine receptors may be involved in the intrinsic control of renal function and renin release, and that the $A_1$ receptors plays a more important role than the $A_2$ receptor in the regulation of renal fnction.

• 대한전자공학회논문지SP
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• 제48권2호
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• pp.102-108
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• 2011

기존의 선박 내 조명 제어 시스템은 구축의 복잡성, 높은 설치 비용 및 유지 관리 비용 등의 문제점이 있다. 본 논문에서는 디지털 선박 환경에서 저비용, 고효율의 조명제어 시스템을 설계하였다. 사용자의 생체 정보(맥박, 이완기 혈압, 수축기 혈압, 혈당)를 무선 센서들을 통하여 획득한 후 감성을 인식하여 LED 조명을 제어하는 시스템으로서, 맥박 센서, 혈압 센서, 혈당 센서 등의 입력치를 받아 데이터베이스에 저장한 후 역전파 신경망 알고리즘을 이용하여 감성을 분류한다. 3,000개의 데이터 집합을 사용하여 역전파 신경망을 실험한 결과 약 88.7%의 정확도를 가졌다. 분류된 감성은 HP(Hewlett-Packard)의 'The Meaning of Color'에서 정해 놓은 20개의 컬러 감성 모델과 비교하여 가장 적절한 출력치를 찾아 적색, 녹색, 청색 LED Lamp에 전류 또는 주파수를 조절하는 방법으로 LED Lamp의 밝기 또는 광색을 조절함으로써 소모 전력을 약 20%로 절감하였다.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제40권3호
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• pp.242-248
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• 2007

It is known that onion increases antioxidative and antibiotic capacity, and decreases blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The study was carried out to investigate whether ethanol extract of onion can enhance blood lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic patients. Foully three hypercholesterolemic patients were randomly divided into 2 groups; 25 in controls and 18 in experimental group. The control group was offered to take placebo for 4 weeks (200 ml/day), and experimental group was offered to consume ethanol extract of onion for 8 weeks (200 ml/day that corresponds to 500 g of onion). There were no differences in sex, age, body mass index (BMI) and educational levels between groups before treatment. After 8 weeks of onion extract consumption, plasma triglycerides level was significantly decreased in experimental group compared to control (p<0.05). Total cholesterol level was tended to decrease in experimental group, but there was no significant difference of change between control and experimental group. The levels of plasma glucose and LDL-cholesterol were not changed significantly after onion extract consumption. In summary, alcohol extract of onion may have a positive effect on the lipid profiles of hypercholesterolemia patients through decreasing plasma triglyceride concentration.