• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.399-402
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• 2002

Angiotensin converting enzyme(ACE) belongs to the class of zinc protease and plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure. In this experiment, we investigated the inhibitory activities of medicinal plant extracts on ACE. Fifty medicinal plants were selected and the extracts were prepared by refluxing with 70% methanol. Among the extracts, eleven medicinal plant extracts such as Sedum sarmentosum Bunge, Petasites japonicus(s.et z.) Max, Rubus coreanus, Morus bombycis Koidz, Acorus calamus var. angustatus, Glycyrhiza glabra, Equisetum hyemale, Portulaca oleracea L., Prunella vulgaris var. lilacina Nakai, Sorbus commixta Hedl, Allium thunbergii showed more than 50% inhibitory activities, and Paeonia suffruticosa Andr., lnula helenium, Acanthopanax senticosus Harms, Dendrobium moniliforme, Juglans mandshurica, Zizyphus jujuba, Leonurus artemisia, Aster scaber Thunb, Vitex rotundifolia, Platycodon grandiflorum, Prunus persica, Ligularia fischeri showed $40{\sim}49%$ inhibitory activities. Therefore these extracts which contain high ACE inhibitory activities may be useful as antihypertension agents and to the treatment of hypertension.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.215-229
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• 2007

Objectives : Placebo phenomena have been considered as a confounding factor of clinical trial. Expectancy and belief of acupuncture have not been evaluated quantitatively. The present study was performed to analyze the emotional and cognitive factor .of acupuncture and investigate whether the expectancy of acupuncture treatment is associated with the cognition of acupuncture. Methods : The expectancy and the perception of bodily sensation (PBS) of 22 participants were assessed using self-reported questionnaire. The subjects used the self assessment manikin (SAM) to rate each of the standard affective image of the international affective picture system (lAPS) and other acupuncture-related image. Based on the degree of expectancy, the high expectant (HE) and the low expectant (LE) group were classified. The thermal and pressure pain threshold was objectively evaluated using radiant-heat device and algometer. The degree of expected pain of acupuncture and the actual pain of painful stimulation was subjectively evaluated using facial pain scales (FPS). Results : Using SAlVI analysis, we identified the negative correlation between hedonic valence and arousal dimension on acupuncture-related visual cue. The degree of the PBS and general pain threshold did not show any significant difference between the HE and the LE group. The HE group rated the acupuncture images as more pleasant, more arousing, than the LE group. In addition, we also found that the higher expectancy marked the lower FPS of the expected pain of acupuncture, but not of the actual pain of painful stimulation. Conclusions : Our preliminary study identified the psychological dimensions of acupuncture-related visual cue. These findings indicate that the expectancy of acupuncture could affect the cognition of acupuncture.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.604-608
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• 2015

In the present work, the improvement of nitrate removal ability was investigated to resolve a eutrophication problem by using Ulmus davidiana (U. davidiana) bark generated from Gangwon province. When the initial pH of aqueous solution was adjusted to 3.5 in batch experiments, the removal efficiencies for 10 and 20 mg/L nitrate increased up to 43 and 37%, respectively. In addition, when U. davidiana bark of 1.0 g/100 mL was used for 8 h, the removal efficiency for 20 mg/L nitrate was 68%. Moreover, when reforming reaction of U. davidiana bark was performed under oxyfluorination conditions, the optimal ratio of partial pressure between fluorine and oxygen was 1 : 9 for an enhanced nitrate adsorption amount. When reformed U. davidiana bark was used for 8 h operation under the optimal oxyfluorination condition, removal efficiencies for 10, 20 and 40 mg/L nitrate were found to be 96, 95 and 59%, respectively. Collectively, these results suggest that our water treatment technology can be effectively utilized to treat high concentrations of nitrate in water bodies.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Fisheries and Ocean Technology
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.218-229
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• 2003

A new biotelemetry method that the installation and the treatment of equipment is convenient and the instantaneously detailed location of the fish attached the pinger is able to track comparatively easily was developed. The receiving system in this biotelemetry method was advanced for track the detailed behavior of the fish by the miniature tracking pinger, because it was a burden to fish to add the pinger with the water temperature and the pressure sensor. By combining of the super short base line (SSBL) method to detect the direction of pinger and the pinger synchronizing method to measure the range from receiving transducer to pinger, the three dimensional locations of fish to the receiving transducer is gotten instantaneously. The receiving system is devised to realize the high precision or wide detection range by application of the basic design method for receiving system of biotelemetry developed by the present authors and the hydrophone array configuration. The measurement distance error in the pinger synchronizing method is minimized through the correction of which the deviation of transmission pluse period of pinger is caused by changing water temperature. A prototype system which is able to track the instantaneously detailed location of the fish by the SSBL and pinger synchronizing biotelemetry (SPB) method was produced.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.123-134
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• 1991

Twenty eight patients had undergone repair of an isolated complete atrioventricular septal defect between April 1986 and September 1990 in Seoul National University Children`s Hospital. The group comprised 13 male and 15 female patients. They ranged in age from 2 months to 8 years[mean 18.6months] and in weight from 3. 4kg to 23kg[mean 9.0$\pm$4.6kg]. They were analysed as Rastelli type A in 17 patients, Rastelli type B in 2 patients, and Rastelli type C in 9 patients. Seven patients had concomitant Down`s syndrome. All patients had large left-to-right shunt[mean pulmonary to systemic flow ratio 3.5 $\pm$2.2 ranging from 0.68 to 10.0] and high pulmonary systolic pressure[mean 74$\pm$18.8mmHg, ranging from 35 to 110]. In 11 patients, one patch technique was used to close the atrial and ventricular septal defect and 16 patients were undergone by two patch technique. We urgently managed only one patient by pulmonary artery banding whose anatomy was Rastelli type C and severe mitral regurgitation was identified. Postoperative complete A - V block was noted in 3 patients, two of whom were dead in operating room due to combined LVOTO and myocardial failure, and one patient with Rastelli type C was undergone by VVI type permanent pacemaker insertion 1wk later after two patch technique, but we had to manage him by modified Konno operation and total correction due to LVOTO and VSD leakage and severe mitral regurgitation 3 years later. Another two reoperation cases due to severe mitral regurgitation after two patch technique were undergone, one of whom we managed by mitral annuloplasty 3 months later but aggravated mitral regurgitation made us to control him by MVR 3 months later. Another one case of VSD leakage and tricuspid regurgitation was managed by total correction but she died of respiratory insufficiency 14 days later. We experienced pulmonary hypertensive crisis in 3 patients, who were dead in two cases comparing with one control case. So operative mortality is 9/27[33.6%], in one patch group of 3/11[29.2%] comparing with two patch group of 6/16[37.5%]. In summary, causes of death were pump weaning failure, myocardial failure and low cardiac output syndrome and pulmonary hypertensive crisis, resp. failure, complete AV block. Mean follow up period is 15.8$\pm$10.7 months[ranging from 3months to 37 months]

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.112-127
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• 1987

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission function disorder characterized by fatigue and weakness of voluntary muscles. This muscular weakness is intensified by activity and stress, and improved by the use of anticholinesterase compounds. It was initially described by Erb in 1879 and later named myasthenia gravis by Jolly in 1895. Although the pathogenesis is Known to be an autoimmune related reduction in the number of available acetylcholine receptors at neuromuscular junctions, the role of thymus in myasthenia gravis is still unclear and under investigation. Thymectomy in the management of myasthenia gravis has become increasingly important since Dr. Blalock observed in 1939 that some patients with thymic tumors and myasthenia gravis improved following thymectomy. A clinical study of 102 cases of myasthenia gravis was performed at Yonsei University College of Medicine. Seoul, Korea from Jan. 1976 to Jun. 1986. In order to determine which factors are of prognostic significance, attention is focused upon pre-operative patient evaluation, problems in operative and post-operative care, and long-term follow-up observations. The results were as follows: 1. The sex distribution was 67 females and 35 males, the mean age of onset was 28.95*1.69 years, and the maximal incidence occurred between 21 and 40 years of age [56 cases: 54.9%]. 2. Clinical manifestations of ocular symptoms were seen to 70 patients [68.6%] extremities weakness in 33 [32.3%], bulbar weakness in 29 [28.4%], and dyspnea in 13 [12.7%]. 3. Study cases more than two thirds were classified as mild types [MG 1 and MG 11A] and 6 cases as grave [MG 1V] based on the modified Osserman`s classification system, 4. Thymectomy was performed in 19 cases which presented in severe myasthenia symptoms and showed no improvement with cholinergic drugs. Histologic examination of the excised thymus glands revealed no abnormalities in 4 cases, thymic hyperplasia in 5, benign thymoma in 5, and malignant thymoma in 5. 5. Immediate post-operative complications included 2 cases of pneumothorax which were treated by tube thoracostomies, there was no operative mortality. 6. The response to cholinergic drugs in 36 cases younger than 20 years old and in 27 cases older than 40 years was relatively poor, while that in 35 cases between the ages of 21 and 40 years old was good. 7. Thirty of 39 cases in groups IIB, III & IV improved markedly with medical or surgical management while only 16 of 59 cases in the mild groups [I and IIA] improved, almost all surgical cases improved in all categories. 8. There were 5 deaths. occurring between 7 months and 3 years 3 months of treatment of myasthenia gravis. The causes of death were myasthenic crisis in 2 cases, respiratory failure due to candidiasis & radiation pneumonitis in one case, cerebral hemorrhage due to high blood pressure in two case.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.309-316
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• 2018

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify the prevalence and related factors of metabolic syndrome in Korean adolescents. Method: Based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 2015, 404 adolescents aged 12-18 years were enrolled. We used the adolescent Ford method as the diagnostic criteria for adolescent metabolic syndrome. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, $x^2$-test, and logistic regression with SPSS WINDOW 23.0 program. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Korean adolescents was 6.5% (6.5% for boys and 6.4% for girls). Among metabolic syndrome components, the prevalence of elevated blood pressure (28.8%) was the highest, followed by elevated triglycerides (21.3%), increased waist circumference (14.1%), decreased high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (11.5%), and elevated fasting blood sugar (7.8%). The only factor associated with metabolic syndrome in both boys and girls was the Body Mass Index (BMI), and the likelihood of a metabolic syndrome increased by 1.6 to 2.3 times (Adjusted OR=1.552 to 2.313, p=0.001) as the BMI increased. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, an intervention program should be developed and provided to maintain the BMI in the normal range for the prevention and management of metabolic syndrome in Korean adolescents.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.489-498
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• 2018

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of walking exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) on insulin resistance, adipokines and gut hormones in middle aged obese women. Eleven obese women (BMI > 25kg/m2; body fat > 30%) wore pneumatic pressure belts at both femurs and performed walking exercise consisting of walking for 2 min and resting for 1min twice per day, 3 days/wk for 4 weeks. Insulin significantly increased after exercise (p<0.05), while glucose increased slightly, but not significantly. Additionally, HOMA-IR decreased significantly after exercise (p<0.05), while adiponectin and visfatin increased, but not significantly. Finally, ghrelin (p<0.05) and GLP-1 (p<0.05) increased significantly after exercise. These results suggest that walking exercise with blood flow restriction for 4 weeks improves insulin resistance, adipokines, and gut hormones in obese middle-aged women. Therefore, high intensity walking exercise with blood flow restriction for short periods of time has more positive effects on prevention and treatment of obesity-related metabolic diseases.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.5
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• pp.648-652
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• 2010

Purpose: A brain abscess is a serious disease of the central nerve system. We conducted this study to summarize the clinical manifestations and outcomes of brain abscesses. Methods: A retrospective chart review of pediatric patients diagnosed with brain abscesses from November 1994 to June 2009 was performed at Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. Results: Twenty-five patients were included in this study. On average, 1.67 cases per year were identified and the median age was 4.3 years. The common presenting clinical manifestations were fever (18/25, 72%), seizure (12/25, 48%), altered mental status (11/25, 44%), and signs of increased intracranial pressure (9/25, 36%). A total of 14 (56%) patients had underlying illnesses, with congenital heart disease (8/25, 32%) as the most common cause. Predisposing factors were identified in 15 patients (60%). The common predisposing factors were otogenic infection (3/25, 12%) and penetrating head trauma (3/25, 12%). Causative organisms were identified in 64% of patients (16/25). The causative agents were $S$ $intermedius$ (n=3), $S$ $aureus$ (n=3), $S$ $pneumoniae$ (n=1), Group B streptococcus (n=2), $E.$ $coli$ (n=1), $P.$ $aeruginosa$ (n=1), and suspected fungal infection (n=5). Seven patients received medical treatment only while the other 18 patients also required surgical intervention. The overall fatality rate was 16% and 20% of patients had neurologic sequelae. There was no statistical association between outcomes and the factors studied. Conclusion: Although uncommon, a brain abscess is a serious disease. A high level of suspicion is very important for early diagnosis and to prevent serious consequences.

• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.268-273
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• 2014

$Y_2O_3$ ceramic specimens were fabricated from the granular powder, obtained by spray drying process from the slurry. The slurry was prepared by mixing PVA binder, NaOH for Ph control, PEG and $Y_2O_3$ powder. The $Y_2O_3$ specimen was shaped in size of ${\phi}14mm$ and then sintered at $1650^{\circ}C$. The characteristics, microstructure, densities and plasma resistance of the $Y_2O_3$ specimens were investigated with the function of forming pressure and sintering time. $Y_2O_3$ specimens were exposed under the $CHF_3/O_2/Ar$ plasma, the dry etching treatment of specimens was carried out by the physical reaction etching of $Ar^+$ ion beam and the chemical reaction etching of $F^-$ ion decomposed from $CHF_3$. With increasing sintering time, $Y_2O_3$ specimens showed relatively high density and strong resistance in plasma etching test.