• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.279-284
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• 2017

Pulmonary artery sarcoma (PAS) is a rare and fatal disease that often mimics chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH); therefore, diagnosis of PAS is often delayed. Herein, a healthy 74-year-old man was presented with a 4-month history of dyspnea. Chest computed tomography showed wall thickening and stenosis in the main pulmonary artery as well as in both proximal pulmonary arteries. In order to differentiate between unusual CTEPH, vasculitis, and PAS, we performed right heart catheterization and pulmonary angiography. The mean pulmonary arterial pressure was 21 mmHg, and there was severe pulmonary artery stenosis. Thrombi on the pulmonary arterial wall lesions were observed in intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography. Furthermore, the patient had a history of deep vein thrombosis. Therefore, we diagnosed unusual CTEPH. After 6 months of rivaroxaban anticoagulation therapy, a chest X-ray revealed a left lower lobe lung mass, and a positron emission tomography later showed hypermetabolic lesions in the main pulmonary artery wall, in both pulmonary arteries walls, in the lung parenchyma, and in the bones. A biopsy of the right proximal humerus lesion revealed undifferentiated intimal sarcoma. Pulmonary sarcoma is rare, but should be considered when differentially diagnosing main pulmonary artery wall thickening and stenosis. A positron emission tomography may aid in this diagnosis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.35-41
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• 2020

Objectives : The object of this study was to observe anticancer and immunomodulatory effects of Formosa plum aqueous extracts (PLe) on non-small cell lung carcinoma (squamous epithelial carcinoma), NCI-H520, xenograft Balb/c nu-nu nude mice. Method : Three different dosages of PLe, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg were orally administered once a day for 28 days from 11 days after tumor cell inoculation. Five groups, each of seven mice per group were used in the present study as follows. Tumor volume and weights, serum interferon (IFN)-γ levels, serum IL-6 were observed with tumor mass and lymphatic organ histopathology to detect anticancer and immunomodulatory effects. Result : Although no meaningful changes on the tumor weights and volumes were observed after treatment of all three different dosages of PLe, decreases of tumor cell volumes in tumor masses were dose-dependently decreased mediated by increases of apoptosis among tumor cells by treatment of PLe 100 and 200 mg/kg as compared with tumor-bearing control. In addition, decreases on the body weight and gains were also demonstrated in tumor-bearing control with increases of serum IL-6 levels. Conclusion : The results obtained in this study suggest that over 50 mg/kg of PLe showed favorable immunomodulatory and anticachexic effects with anticancer effects in 100 and 200 mg/kg of PLe treated groups on the NCI-H520 cell xenograft. However, detail mechanism studies should be conducted in future with the screening of the biological active compounds in this herb.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.288-295
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• 2005

Five dogs at the age of 2-13 years, with variant respiratory signs like as dry cough, dyspnea, exercise intorelance and lameness were presented. On thoracic radiographs, all dogs had abnormalities such as soft tissue density, round mass image, increased pulmonary infiltration and pleural effusion. All dogs were diagnosed as adenocarcinoma on cytopathologic examinations by fine needle aspiration with ultrasound guidance. Computed tomography was performed in three cases to evaluate clinical stage. Primary papillary adenocarcinoma was confirmed after necropsy in one case.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.29 no.12
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• pp.1381-1384
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• 1996

Thymoma Is an anterior mediastinal tumor, arising from the thymus, but occasionally has ectopic focus such as neck, trachea, thyroid, pulmonary hilum, lung parenchyme and pleura. Forty-two year old male patient was admitted due to progressive development of shortness of breath in 4 months. He had a history of exposure to asbestos for About 10 years duration In recent 15 years. Radiologically, multiple pleural masses were seen rom apex to diaphrAgm, with no evidence of anterior mediastinal mass,with fluid in right pleural cavity. Closed thoracotomy drainage with open biopsy were performed. Effusion cell block showed many T cell marker positive Lymphocytes & some epithelial cells compatible with thymoma, and the tissue also showed cortical type thymoma. Pleuropneumonectomy and thymectomy followed by 60 Gy radiation therapy were done and the patient is well 8 months postoperatively. The pleura is markedly thickened by the invasion of thymoma and the interstitial space of the lung tissue,but the normal appearance of thymus was present in remote area (Masaoka classification IVa). We report a case of ectopic invasive thymoma arising from the right pleura with intact thymus.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.217-224
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• 2012

In recent decades, titanium dioxide ($TiO_2$) nanoparticles have been used in various applications, including paints, coatings, and food. However, data are lacking on the toxicological aspects associated with their use. The aim of this study was to assess the inhalation toxicity of $TiO_2$ nanoparticles in rats by using inhalation exposure. Male Wistar rats were exposed to $TiO_2$ nanoparticles for 2 weeks (6 hr/day, 5 days/week) at a mean mass concentration of $11.39{\pm}0.31mg/m^3$. We performed time-course necropsies at 1, 7, and 15 days after exposure. Lung inflammation and injury were assessed on the basis of the total and individual cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and by biochemical assays, including an assay for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Furthermore, histopathological examination was performed to investigate the lungs and nasal cavity of rats. There were no statistically significant changes in the number of BALF cells, results of biochemical assays of BALF and serum, and results of cytokine analysis. However, we did observe histopathological changes in the nasal cavity tissue. Lesions were observed at post-exposure days 1 and 7, which resolved at post-exposure day 15. We also calculated the actual amounts of $TiO_2$ nanoparticles inhaled by the rats. The results showed that the degree of toxicity induced by $TiO_2$ nanoparticles correlated with the delivered quantities. In particular, exposure to small particles with a size of approximately 20 nm resulted in toxicity, even if the total particle number was relatively low.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.171-178
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• 1989

Eaton Lambert Syndrome(ELS)is a disorder of neuromuscular transmission. The defect of neuromuscular transmission is due to decrease in the release of acetylcholine guanta from nerve terminal. This syndrome is frequently associated with bronchogenic carcinoma. The diagnosis is established by electromyography, which characteristically shows 1) low amplitude of evoked compound muscle potential to a single supramaximal stimulus on nerve, 2) significant decremental response at low rates of stimulation 3) marked incremental response at high rates of stimulation. Our patient is 52year old man with dyspnea, coughing and muscle weakness of proximal lower limbs. He has small cell lung cancer and associated with ELS, Superior venacava syndrome and has metastatic lesion on right supraclavicular lymphnode confirmed by pathology. Metastatic mass and SVC syndrome are marked improved following chemotherapy and radiotherapy, however follow up EMG finding does not improved. We are here reporting one case which considered compatible for ELS, with a few elementary reviewed literatures.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.171-177
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• 2020

Background: This study aims to determine the effective atomic number (Zeff) from dual-energy image sets obtained using a conventional computed tomography (CT) simulator. The estimated Zeff can be used for deriving the stopping power and material decomposition of CT images, thereby improving dose calculations in radiation therapy. Materials and Methods: An electron-density phantom was scanned using Philips Brilliance CT Big Bore at 80 and 140 kVp. The estimated Zeff values were compared with those obtained using the calibration phantom by applying the Rutherford, Schneider, and Joshi methods. The fitting parameters were optimized using the nonlinear least squares regression algorithm. The fitting curve and mass attenuation data were obtained from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The fitting parameters obtained from stopping power and material decomposition of CT images, were validated by estimating the residual errors between the reference and calculated Zeff values. Next, the calculation accuracy of Zeff was evaluated by comparing the calculated values with the reference Zeff values of insert plugs. The exposure levels of patients under additional CT scanning at 80, 120, and 140 kVp were evaluated by measuring the weighted CT dose index (CTDIw). Results and Discussion: The residual errors of the fitting parameters were lower than 2%. The best and worst Zeff values were obtained using the Schneider and Joshi methods, respectively. The maximum differences between the reference and calculated values were 11.3% (for lung during inhalation), 4.7% (for adipose tissue), and 9.8% (for lung during inhalation) when applying the Rutherford, Schneider, and Joshi methods, respectively. Under dual-energy scanning (80 and 140 kVp), the patient exposure level was approximately twice that in general single-energy scanning (120 kVp). Conclusion: Zeff was calculated from two image sets scanned by conventional single-energy CT simulator. The results obtained using three different methods were compared. The Zeff calculation based on single-energy exhibited appropriate feasibility.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.111-116
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• 2023

Purpose: Pneumoconiosis is a chronic lung disease in which the lungs become hardened due to the accumulation of fine mineral dust that has been breathed in at industrial sites. The lungs are unable to function properly, resulting in complications of several respiratory diseases. Methods: The subjects were 36 elderly adults (pneumoconiosis patients 18, healthy elderly 18) over the age of 65 years. The respiratory function was assessed using a spirometer to measure forced vital capacity (FVC), first second of forced expiration (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow n(PEF). The static balance function test was determined by the center of mass (COM), ankle angle range, hip angle range, sway parameters, and reciprocal compensatory index (RCI). Cognitive function was measured by applying MoCA-k. Results: Comparison of respiration functions between the two groups showed statistically significant differences in FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and PEFs (p<0.05). Cognitive abilities showed statistically significant differences due to higher cognitive skills in the control group as compared to the patient group (p<0.05). Most results of the static balance capability measurements showed statistically significant differences between the groups (p<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were obtained for COM AP Range, Angle AP Range, RCI ML Range, and AP Range (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of the current study indicate that patients suffering from pneumoconiosis have less cognitive ability and balance function as compared to healthy elderly people. Therefore, we expect an improvement in the balance ability and cognitive function through systematic management and strengthening lung function training to improve the quality of life of pneumoconiosis patients.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.308-313
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• 2023

A 1-year-old castrated male Korean Shorthair cat presented with dyspnea, anorexia, lethargy, and seizures. Physical examination revealed salivation, right forelimb hemiparesis, and rapid breathing. No abnormalities were detected on auscultation. Laboratory findings revealed increased levels of bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), globulin, glucose, and a decreased albumin-to-globulin (A:G) ratio. Both N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and feline serum amyloid A (fSAA) levels were significantly elevated. Thoracic radiography revealed mild cardiomegaly and diffuse increased interstitial infiltration with soft tissue opacity in the periphery of the right caudal pleural space. Echocardiography and lung ultrasonography were performed to investigate the cause of mild cardiomegaly and soft tissue opacity in the pleural space. Echocardiography revealed a mild amount of echogenic pericardial effusion, and lung ultrasonography showed an echogenic soft tissue mass with no blood signal in the right caudal pleural space, suggestive of a granulomatous lesion. After obtaining 5 mL of pericardial fluid through pericardiocentesis, cytology of the pericardial effusion sample revealed marked neutrophils and macrophages with no bacteria. IDEXX feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) virus real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed the presence of the FIP virus biotype in the sample. This case presents a rarely reported atypical mixed form of FIP in a cat diagnosed ante-mortem using pericardial effusion analysis. In this case, ultrasound examination played a crucial role in the definitive diagnosis of FIP by PCR biotyping through pericardiocentesis. Ultrasonography can be highly beneficial in guiding the diagnosis and evaluation of cats with suspected FIP.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.307-316
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• 2008

The purpose of the study was to investigate nutritional status of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and to find out the differences according to the stages of disease. From March to October, 2006, 41 stable male patients of mild to severe COPD patients were recruited from Seoul National University hospital. The patients' of body weight and fat free mass were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The nutritional status of the patients was also assessed by 3-day recall, index of nutritional quality (INQ), dietary diversity score (DDS), dietary variety score (DVS), food group index pattern and dietary quality index (DQI). The total of 41 patients were classified into three groups, stage I, stage II and stage III groups according to the classification of Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) standard. The mean age of the patients in each stage were 67.2-66.9 years showing no significant difference. The ratio of $FEV_1$/FVC were $57.5{\pm}7.3$, $46.9{\pm}7.6$ and $38.2{\pm}6.8%$, respectively showing significant differences according to the stages of disease. The fat free mass of the stage II ($48.2{\pm}4.7kg$) and III ($47.3{\pm}4.5kg$) was significantly lower than that of stage I ($53.1{\pm}6.9kg$) patients. There were significant correlation of fat free mass with $FEV_{1}$, and BMI (body mass index) with $FEV_{1}$/FVC ratio (p < 0.05). COPD patients showed the diet-related clinical symptoms of anorexia, dyspnea, dyspepsia, and chewing difficulty. Daily intakes of calorie, K, vitamin $B_2$ and folate of the patients were very low ($83.8{\pm}20.7%$, $58.9{\pm}14.4%$, $70.7{\pm}19.6%$ and $74.4{\pm}10.2%$, respectively) however, they did not significantly different according to the stages of disease. Daily intake of calcium was significantly lower in the stage III patients (p < 0.05). The mean scores of dietary variety score was significantly lower in the stage III patients (p < 0.001). Dietary quality index of the patients were not different among the stages of disease and the scores indicated poor quality of diet. As a summary, we found that body fat free mass, regularity of exercise, frequency of having snacks and dietary variety score were significantly associated with the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.