• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.236-249
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• 1993

Background: Among the injurious agents to which the lung airspaces are constantly exposed are reactive species of oxygen. It has been widely believed that reactive oxygen species may be implicated in the etiology of lung injuries. In order to elucidated how this oxidant causes lung cell injury, we investigated the effects of exogenous $H_2O_2$ on alveolar epithelial barrier characteristics. Methods: Rat type II alveolar epithelial cells were plated onto tissue culture-treated polycarbonate membrane filters. The resulting confluent monolayers on days 3 and 4 were mounted in a modified Ussing chamber and bathed on both sides with HEPES-buffered Ringer solution. The changes in short-circuit current (Isc) and monolayer resistance (R) in response to the exogenous hydroperoxide were measured. To determine the degree of cellular catalase participation in protection against $H_2O_2$ injury to the barrier, experiments were repeated in the presence of 20 mM aminotriazole (ATAZ, an inhibitor of catalase) in the same bathing fluid as the hydroperoxide. Results: These monolayers have a high transepithelial resistance (>2000 ohm-$cm^2$) and actively transport $Na^+$ from apical fluid. $H_2O_2$(0-100 mM) was then delivered to either apical or basolateral fluid. Resulting indicated that $H_2O_2$ decreased Isc and R gradually in dose-dependent manner. The effective concentration of apical $H_2O_2$ at which Isc (or R) was decreased by 50% at one hour ($ED_{50}$) was about 4 mM. However, basolateral $H_2O_2$ exposure led to $ED_{50}$ for Isc (and R) of about 0.04 mM. Inhibition of cellular catalase yielded $ED_{50}$ for Isc (and R) of about 0.4 mM when $H_2O_2$ was given apically, while $ED_{50}$ for basolateral exposure to $H_2O_2$ did not change in the presence of ATAZ. The rate of $H_2O_2$ consumption in apical and basolateral bathing fluids was the same, while cellualr catalase activity rose gradually with time in culture. Conclusion: Our data suggest that basolateral $H_2O_2$ may affect directly membrane component (e.g., $Na^+,\;K^+$-ATPase) located on the basolateral cell surface. Apical $H_2O_2$, on the other hand, may be largely degraded by catalase as it passes through the cells before reaching these membrane components. We conclude that alveolar epithelial barrier integrity as measured by Isc and R are compromised by $H_2O_2$ being relatively sensitive to basolateral (and insensitive to apical) $H_2O_2$.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.452-461
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• 1994

Background: Tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-$\alpha$ and Interleukin(lL)-$1{\beta}$ are thought to play a major role in the pathogenesis of the septic syndrome, which is frequently associated with adult respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS). In spite of many reports for the role of TNF-$\alpha$ in the pathogenesis of ARDS, including human studies, it has been reported that TNF-$\alpha$ is not sensitive and specific marker for impending ARDS. But there is a possibility that the results were affected by the diversity of pathogenetic mechanisms leading to the ARDS because of various underlying disorders of the study group in the previous reports. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the roles of TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ as a predictable marker for development of ARDS in the patients with septic syndrome, in which the pathogenesis is believed to be mainly cytokine-mediated. Methods: Thirty-six patients of the septic syndrome hospitalized in the intensive care units of the Asan Medical Center were studied. Sixteens suffered from ARDS, whereas the remaining 20 were at the risk of developing ARDS(acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, AHRF). In all patients venous blood samples were collected in heparin-coated tubes at the time of enrollment, at 24 and 72 h thereafter. TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All data are expressed as median with interquartile range. Results: 1) Plama TNF-$\alpha$ levels: Plasma TNF-$\beta$ levels were less than 10pg/mL, which is lowest detection value of the kit used in this study within the range of the $mean{\pm}2SD$, in all of the normal controls, 8 of 16 subjects of ARDS and in 8 in 20 subjects of AHRF. Plasma TNF-$\alpha$ levels from patients with ARDS were 10.26pg/mL(median; <10-16.99pg/mL, interquartile range) and not different from those of patients at AHRF(10.82, <10-20.38pg/mL). There was also no significant difference between pre-ARDS(<10, <10-15.32pg/mL) and ARDS(<10, <10-10.22pg/mL). TNF-$\alpha$ levels were significantly greater in the patients with shock than the patients without shock(12.53pg/mL vs. <10pg/mL) (p<0.01). There was no statistical significance between survivors(<10, <10-12.92pg/mL) and nonsurvivors(11.80, <10-20.8pg/mL) (P=0.28) in the plasma TNF-$\alpha$ levels. 2) Plasma IL-$1{\beta}$ levels: Plasma IL-$1{\beta}$ levels were less than 0.3ng/mL, which is the lowest detection value of the kit used in this study, in one of each patients group. There was no significant difference in IL-$1{\beta}$ levels of the ARDS(2.22, 1.37-8.01ng/mL) and of the AHRF(2.13, 0.83-5.29ng/mL). There was also no significant difference between pre-ARDS(2.53, <0.3-8.34ngfmL) and ARDS(5.35, 0.66-11.51ng/mL), and between patients with septic shock and patients without shock (2.51, 1.28-8.34 vs 1.46, 0.15-2.13ng/mL). Plasma IL-$1{\beta}$ levels were significantly different between survivors(1.37, 0.4-2.36ng/mL) and nonsurvivors(2.84, 1.46-8.34ng/mL). Conclusion: Plasma TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ level are not a predictable marker for development of ARDS. But TNF-$\alpha$ is a marker for shock in septic syndrome. These result could not exclude a possibility of pathophysiologic roles of TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ in acute lung injury because these cytokine could be locally produced and exert its effects within the lungs.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2005

Objectives: This study attempts to analyze the length of hospital stay and expenses of frequent disease admitted in a Vaterans Hospital. Methods: Data was collected from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2003 from the Claim records of 9,640 patients in a Vaterans Hospital. Results: The results were as follows: 1. In age & sex distribution, there was male 70.9%, female 29.1%, and 35.8% of them is 70 age group. Frequency by insurance program was Health insurance 78.1%, Medical aid 14.2%, no insurance 4.1%, others 3.6%. Distribution of each department was internal medicine 28.3%, orthopedic surgery 21.3%, surgery 16.6%, neurosurgey 7.1%, pediatrics 5.9%. Also, in the veterans group, male to female patient ratio was 99.3% male to 0.7% female, them over 70 years old was 51.6%, and them which live in daejeon was 43.5%. 2. In frequency of disease, there was gastroenteritis 4.8%, pneumonia 3.8%, cartaract 3.7%, cerebral infarct 3.2%, hyperplasia of prostate 3.0%. In frequency of korean standard classification of diseases, there was injury and poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes 17.1%, diseases of digestive system 16.1%, diseases of musculoskeletal system and connective tissue 13.9%, diseases of respiratory system 9.4%, diseases of genitourinary system 8.6%. Also, in veterans group, frequency of them was diseases of musculoskeletal system and connective tissue 19.4%, diseases of digestive system 16.8%, injury and poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes 15.7%, diseases of genitourinary system 9.7%, diseases of circuatory system 8.2%. 3. Average length of hospital stay was 29.0 days for total patients, 51.8 days for the veterans group, 15.7 days for the non-veterans one. Average total expenses was 3,669,579 won, the veterans group 7,263,877 won, the non-veterans one 1,560,333 won. The ratio of insurer to insuree was 55.2 : 44.8, the ratio of amount paid by patient in the veterans group 61.7%, in the non-veterans one 33.0%. 4. In items of medical expenses, fee for hospital accommodation was 34.7%, fee for medication 13.2%(injection 7.8%, drug 5.4%), fee for service 48.6%(physical therapy 26.3%, operation 9.7%, laboratory examination 5.2%, radiological examination 3.1%, etc), others 3.4%. In them for the veterans group, fee for physical therapy was 35.3%, fee for hospital accommodation 35.2%, fee for injection 6.2%, fee for operation 5.9%, for the non-veterans one, fee for hospital accommodation 35.7%, fee for operation 16.4%, fee for injection 11.4%, fee for laboratory examination 8.3%. 5. In the comparison of the frequency by Korean standard classification of diseases and distance between the hospital and home, the region under 21.5Km was more frequent in symptoms, signs an abnormal clinical and laboratory findings 56.0%, injury and poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes 55.6%, diseases of the eye and adnexa 52.9%, the one over 21.5Km was more frequent in neoplasms 57.4%, diseases of musculoskeletal system and connective tissue 55.9%, diseases of genitourinary system 53.5%.

• The Korean Journal of Air & Space Law and Policy
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.45-85
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• 2005

The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of "accident" under the Warsaw system including the Warsaw Convention for the Unification of certain Rules for International Carriage by Air of 1929 and the Montreal Convention of 1999. Most leading case on this subject is Air France v. Saks(470 U.S. 392 (1985)). In the Saks case, it was held that the definition of an accident must be applied flexibly, and most courts have adhered to the definition of accident in Saks case, the application of accident has been less than consistent. However, most cases have held that if the event is usual and expected operation of the aircraft, then no accident has occurred. Courts have also held that where the injury results from passenger's own internal reaction to the usual, normal, and expected operations of the aircraft, it is not caused by an accident. As the Warsaw drafters intended to create a system of liability rules that would cover all hazards of air travel, the carrier should liable for the inherent risks of air travel. It is right in that the carrier is in a better position than the passenger to control the risks during air travel. Most US courts have held that carriers are not liable for one passenger's assault on the other passenger. The interactions between passengers are not part of the normal operations of the aircraft and are therefore not covered by the word "accident" under Art 17 of the Warsaw Convention. It is regretful that the Montreal Convention did not attempt to clarify the concepts of accident in itself. In the light of an emerging tendency to hold the air carrier liable for occurrences that do not exactly go to the operation of the aircraft, it is desirable to regulate that the carrier is liable for an "event" instead of an "accident" in accordance with the Guatemala City protocol.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.58 no.3
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• pp.276-284
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• 2005

Backgraound : There have been many reports on the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS) but, the precise mechanism has not been elucidated. This study examined the protective effect of an inhibition of platelet activating factor(PAF) remodeling and the adhesion molecule on the oxidative stress of the lungs in rats with an endotoxin induced acute lung injury(ALI). Methods : ALI was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by instilling an E-coli endotoxin into the trachea. Ketotifen and fucoidan were used respectively to inhibit PAF remodeling and adhesion molecule. The lung leak index, lung myeloperoxidase(MPO) activity, bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL) fluid neutrophil count and lyso PAF acetyltransferase activity(AT), were measured and an ultrastructural study and cytochemical electron microscopy were performed. Results : The lung leak index, lung MPO activity, BAL fluid neutrophil count and lyso PAF AT activity was higher in the endotoxin-treated rats. In addition, severe destruction of the pulmonary architecture and increased hydrogen peroxide production were identified. These changes were reversed by ketotifen. However, fucoidan did not appear to have any protective effects. Conclusion : The inhibition of PAF remodeling appeared to be effective in decreasing the endotoxin-induced ALI. In addition, this effect might be derived from the inhibition of neutrophilic oxidative stress. However, the inhibition of the adhesion molecules by fucoidan appeared to be ineffective in decreasing the endotoxin-induced ALI.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.81 no.2
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• pp.164-176
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• 1992

This study was conducted to determine the toxic effects of air pollutants on landscaping trees, Pinus densiflora, Pinus koraierasis, Ginkgo biloba, Liriodeytdron tulipifera, Platanus occidentalis and their resistance to the pollutant toxicity in urban and industrial regions of Seoul and Taejon, Korea. Total sulfur content and superoxide dismutase activity were analysed in tree foliage of Pinus densiflora, Pinzes koraiensis, Ginkgo biloba, Liriodendron tulipifera, Platanus occidentalis. In addition, SOD activity was analyzed in the foliage of tree seedlings, i.e. Pinus densijlora, Pinus koraiensis, Ginkgo biloba, Liriodendron tulipifera, with the lurnigation of $SO_2$ in gas chamber 4 hours a day for six days. In all species total sulfur content and SOD activity had a positive correlation. Air pollutants accumulated in tree tissues were supposed to enhance the enzyme activity like SOD providing with the resistance mechanisms. Trees under the air pollution stress increased enzyme activity to develop internal self-resistance against pollutants, but after a critical point enzyme-activity decreased gradually and resulting in injury after all, Deciduous trees had greater filtration capacity than conifers and coniferous trees showed greater resistance against air pollutants than deciduous species. Foliage SOD activity was higher in polluted area than in unpolluted area for most species. Coniferous species and mature trees had higher SOD activity than deciduous seedlings. Especially Pinus koraiensis, Ginkgo biloba and Plcatanus occidentalis had higher SOD activity than other species. The tree species with the high SOD activity showed strong resistance against air pollutants. In 2nd-year needles of Pinus densiflora seedlings and current and 2nd-year needles of Pinus koraiensis seedlings containing high native SOD activity, SOD activity increased with the increase of $SO_2$ level. But in seedlings containing low native SOD activity, SOD activity increased at 0.5ppm $SO_2$ level while it decreased at 1.5 and 2.5ppm $SO_2$. Changes of SOD activity was different between species and in most species SOD seemed to participate in resistance mechanism.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.11 no.12
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• pp.4863-4872
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• 2010

This study examined the disease conditions of patients from a farming and fishing village area. In order to analyze the medical service utilization, the necessary data were obtained from established health and medical care service plans from medical treatment related organizations. The following results were based on the analysis of data from the medical records of 2,365 discharged patients during a six months period from July to December 2009 at a general hospital in an aging farming and fishing village area. Results: The sex of the patients investigated was male 55.3%, female 44.7%, and the most frequent age category at 42.0% was 70 years of age or older. Based on type of hospital admission, 65.5% of patients who were admitted were originally outpatients. Patients were admitted according to the following departments: 49.7% for the department of internal medicine, 16.7% for the department of orthopedics, and 13.8% for the department of neurosurgery. The average number of days hospitalized was 14.8 days. The following ranks the principal diagnosis among patients in this study: S00-T98 18.4%, J00-J99 15.5%, and I00-I99 11.5%. The average number of diagnosis listed per patient was 5.6. There was a statistically significant difference for the following general characteristics according to principal diagnosis list: gender, type of insurance, admission process, and age category distribution had statistically significant differences. Monthly distribution of principal diagnoses were statistically significant difference. There was a statistically significant difference for principal diagnosis lists according to the average number of days admitted and the number of diagnosis. The results of this study showed the types of disease from typical farming and fishing village regions as disease from external injury due to the work environment of farming and fishing village regions and excessive labor throughout the year, respiratory disease, and various chronic disease from aging.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.166-173
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• 2002

Purpose : The aim of this study is to find out the distribution of illness, patterns of medical care utilization and factors determining medical care utilization in elementary school children. Methods : We performed the questionnaires in Gwangju city on 2,036 children of two elementary schools from June 1 to June 30, 1998. Results : The prevalence rate of illness was 32.3%. The distribution of illness was respiratory disease(64.7%), gastrointestinal disease(12.8%), injury & poisoning. The rate of persons having received medical treatment when they were sick, was 89.8%. The selection distribution among various medical facilities was pediatric hospital(46.7%), otolaryngologic hospital(19.8%), pharmacy (13.2%) and internal medicine in the decreasing frequency sequence. The major factors influencing the selection of medical facility were geographic accessibility and good results. The most common reason for the first visit to the pediatric hospital was geographic accessibility. The most common reason for a visit and to otolaryngologic hospital was a good result. The most frequently utilized medical facility for respiratory symptoms and gastrointestinal symptoms was pediatric hospital. The persons influencing the selection of medical facility in the children were mother(73.3%), father( 10.8%), doctor and others in decreasing sequence. The persons answering the questionaire thought that the optimal age of pediatric care was from 0 to 12 years(47.8%), to 10 years(22.4%) and to 15 years(18.5%) in decreasing rate. Conclusion : Other departments instead of pediatrics have treated children. Children have particular growth and development process, which is different to those of adults. So, it is necessary to choose special medical care and adequate medical facilities for children.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.1-19
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• 2000

The purpose of this study was to define the content of the requisite knowledge of pathophysiology, clinical microbiology, and mechanisms and effects of drugs needed for clinical knowledge for nursing practice. Contents of knowlege on pathological physiology, clinical microbiology, and mechanisms and effects of drugs were constructed from syllabus of basic nursing subjects in 4 colleges of nursing, and textbooks. The degree of need of 72 items was measured with a 4 point scale. The subjects of this study were college-graduated 136 nurses from seven university hospital in Seoul and three in Chonnam Province, Kyungbook Province, and Inchon. They have been working at internal medicine ward, surgical ward, intensive care unit, obstetrics and gynecology ward, pediatrics ward, opthalmology ward, ear, nose, and throat ward, emergency room, rehabilitation ward, cancer ward, and hospice ward. The results were as follows : 1. The highest scored items of the knowledge of pathophysiology, clinical microbiology, and mechanisms and effects of drugs necessary for nursing practice were side effects of drugs, anticoagulants, mechanisms of drugs, antihypertensive drugs, tolerance and addiction of drugs, interactions among drugs, hospital infection in the order of importance. The lowest scored item was structure of microorganisms. 2. The highest order of need according to unit was repair in tissue injury unit, definition etiology classification of inflammation in inflammation unit, transplantation and immunologic response in alterations in immunity unit, thrombus and thrombosis in disorders of cardiovascular function unit, gene disorders in genetic disorders unit, hospital infection in infection unit, virus in microorganisms unit, side reactions of drugs in introduction unit, anticonvulsants in drugs for central nervous system unit, local anesthesia in anesthesia unit, anticoagulants in drugs for cardiovascular system unit, anti-inflammatory drugs in antibiotics unit, anti-ulcer drugs in drugs for digestive system unit, and bronchodilators in drugs for respiratory system unit. 3. The common content of the knowledge of pathophysiology, clinical microbiology, and mechanisms and effects of drugs needed for all clinical areas in nursing were side effects of drugs, anticoagulants, interactions among drugs, and hospital infection. However, the degree of need of each pathological physiology, clinical microbiology, clinical microbiology, and mechanisms and effects of drugs was different depending on clinical areas. 4. Significant differences in the knowledge of pathophysiology, clinical microbiology, and mechanisms and effects of drugs necessary for nursing practice such as tissue changes due to injurious stimuli, degenerative changes of tissue, alterations in metabolism of carbohydrates, ischemia, hyperemia and congestion, hospital infection, structure of microorganism, classification of microorganism, bacteria, virus, antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs, antiemetic drugs, antiparkinsonism drugs, antianxiety drugs, antibiotics, tuberculostatics, antiviral drugs, antifungal drugs, parasiticides, antiulcer drugs, antidiarrheais, and anti constipation drugs were shown according to the work area. 5. Significant differences in the knowledge of pathophysiology, clinical microbiology, and mechanisms and effects of drugs necessary for nursing practice such as transplantation and immunologic response, alterations in the metabolism of uric acid, structure of microorganism, classification of microorganism, immunosuppressants, drugs for congestive heart failure were demonstrated according to the duration of work. Based on these findings, all the 72 items constructed by Korean Academic Society of Basic Nursing science should be included as contents of the knowledge of pathophysiology, clinical microbiology, and mechanisms and effects of drugs.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.131-138
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• 2004

High-flow gas insufflation to get a bloodless field during off-pump coronary artery bypass may have adverse effects on the coronary endothelium. This study was designed (1) to elucidate the effect of carbon dioxide gas insufflations on the coronary endothelium at different flow rates and (2) to assess the protective effect of humidifcation against the coronary endothelial damage. Material and Method: In nine pigs, the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was exposed after a median sternotomy. The LAD was divided into 4 segments and a coronary arteriotomy was made in each LAD segment in the beating heart. The far distal arteriotomy was exposed to room air for 10 minutes and was harvested as a control. Non-humidified carbon dioxide gas at a continuous flow rate of 5 L/min (Group I), humidified carbon dioxide gas at a continuous flow rate of 5 L/min (Group II), and humidified carbon dioxide gas at a continuous flow rate of 10 L/min (Group III) were insufflated for 10 minutes on each coronary arteriotomy site, respectively. After harvesting the coronary segments, hematoxylin-eosin staining, elastic fiber staining, and immunostaining with a CD34 monoclonal antibody were performed to evaluate the depth of endothelial damage and to count the residual endothelial cells, Result: In all three groups (Group I, II, and III), internal elastic laminae were preserved, however, the endothelial layers were significantly damaged by carbon dioxide gas insufflation. The mean percentages of remaining endothelial cells were 20,9$\pm$16.7%, 39.3$\pm$19.6%, and 6.8$\pm$5.3%, in groups I, II, and III, respectively. The percentages of remaining cells were significantly higher in group II than in groups I and III (p=0.008). The percentages of remaining cells were significantly higher in group I than in group III (p=0.008). Conclusions: The harmful effect of carbon dioxide gas insufflation on the coronary endothelium was dependent on the flow rate. The addition of humidification did not protect the coronary endothelium from denudation injury caused by high flow carbon dioxide gas insufflations.