• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.41-49
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• 2008

Background : The central physiological derangement of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) caused by hantaan virus (HTNV) is a vascular dysfunction, manifested by hemorrhage, impaired vascular tone and increased vascular permeability. Platelet activating factor (PAF), whose actions are mediated through a specific receptor, is a potent bioactive lipid. PAF has diverse biological functions in the vascular system, such as increasing vascular permeability, adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelium and reduction of cardiac output, which result in hypotension and shock. The goal of the present study was to investigate whether PAF is involved in the pathogenesis of HFRS. For this purpose, we evaluated the effect of HTNV on the expression of PAF receptor (PAF-R) and on the activity of PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) instead of PAF because PAF is rapidly degraded by PAF-AH in vivo. Materials and methods : To evaluate the expression of PAF-R, we performed reverse-transcription PCR, western blot and FACS analyses using HTNV-infected human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and non-infected (control) HUVECs. In addition, we measured the activity of plasma PAF-AH in HFRS patients and normal healthy persons. Results : The mRNA and protein expression of PAF-R was increased in HTNV-infected HUVECs compared with control HUVECs at 2 and 3 days post-infection (d.p.i.). FACS analysis showed that HTNV induced the surface expression of PAF-R in HUVECs from 2 d.p.i. The activity of plasma PAF-AH was 2.5-fold lower in HFRS patients than in normal healthy persons. Conclusion : Increased PAF-R expression by HTNV might increase the responsiveness to PAF in endothelial cells. Reduced PAF-AH activity in the blood of HFRS patients might delay PAF degradation. These results suggest that changes in PAF-R and PAF-AH by HTNV might influence to PAF activity and might be involved in the vascular dysfunction of HFRS.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.487-491
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• 2008

Purpose : Although Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) infection can cause wheezing in non-asthmatic children, the mechanisms of this symptom remain unclear. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major mediator of angiogenesis and vascular permeability, and is also known to be elevated in cases of chronic pulmonary disease such as asthma. We hypothesized that VEGF may increase in children with acute M. pneumoniae pneumonia and wheezing. Methods : Nine patients with clinical and laboratory evidence of acute M. pneumoniae pneumonia were enlisted from children admitted to Korea University Hospital. They had had more than one episode of wheezing during the illness, which was confirmed by a physician; they comprised the wheezer group. The individuals with M. pneumoniae pneumonia without wheezing were 63 in number, and they comprised the non-wheezer group. Patients with a history of asthma or who had received asthma medications were excluded. Serum concentrations of VEGF, total IgE, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and peripheral blood eosinophil counts were measured. Results : The serum VEGF concentrations were higher in the wheezer group ($mean{\pm}SD$; $650.2{\pm}417.9pg/mL$) than in the non-wheezer group ($376.5{\pm}356.2pg/mL$, P=0.049). M. pneumoniae antibody (1:1,380 vs. 1:596, P=0.048) and serum total IgE (591.8 IU/mL vs. 162.2 IU/mL, P=0.032) were higher in the wheezer group than in the non-wheezer group. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of serum ECP concentration or blood eosinophil count. Conclusion : In the presence of wheezing, serum VEGF concentrations were higher in the children with M. pneumoniae pneumonia. This finding suggests that VEGF may associate with wheeze-related symptoms in children with acute M. pneumoniae pneumonia.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.243-245
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• 2012

It is well known that spontaneous thrombosis in giant cerebral aneurysm is common. However, spontaneous obliteration of a non-giant and unruptured cerebral aneurysm has been reported to be rare and its pathogenic mechanism is not clear. We describe a case with rare vascular phenomenon and review the relevant literatures.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.1 no.6
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• pp.759-767
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• 1997

In the present study, we characterized the non-vascular smooth muscle relaxant effects of a novel benzoyran derivative ,SKP-450 (2-[2'(1',3'-dioxolone)-2-methyl-4- (2'-oxo-1'-pyrrolidinyl) -6-nitro-2H-1- benzopyran) and its metabolite, SKP-310, in comparison with levcromakalim (LCRK). In the rat stomach fundus, the spontaneous motility stimulated by $10^{-6.5}\;M$ bethanechol was completely eliminated not only by $10^{-7}\;M$ SKP-450 but also by $10^{-6}\;M$ LCRK, which were blocked by $10^{-6}\;M$ glibenclamide. The inhibitory effect of SKP-450 $pD_2,\;3.94{\pm}0.66)$ was much less than LCRK $(pD2,\;5.73{\pm}0.38,\;p<0.05)$. In the bethanechol $(10{-6.5 }\;M)-stimulated$ urinary bladder, the tonus was decreased in association with elimination of spontaneous motility by $10^{-7}\;M$ M SKP-450 and $10^{-6}\;M\;LCRK\;(pD2,\;6.77{\pm}0.06)\;(P<0.05)$, which were inhibitable by $10^{-6}\;M$ glibenclamide. The inhibitory effect of SKP-450 $(pD2,\;7.66{\pm}0.05)$ was significantly more potent than that of LCRK $(pD2,\;6.77{\pm}0.06,\;p<0.05)$. In the rat uterus stimulated by $PGF_{2\alpha}\;(10^{-7}\;M)$, both increased tonus and spontaneous motility were eliminated by $10^{-6}\;M$ LCRK with slight depression of the tonus, but not by SKP-450 $(10^{-5}\;M)$. The stimulated trachea of guinea-pig by $10^{-6.5}\;M$ bethanechol was moderately suppressed by SKP-450 $(10^{-6}{sim}10^{-5}\;M)$ but little by SKP-310. In association with the relaxant effects, SKP-450 $(10^{-6}\;M)$ and LCRK $(10^{-5}\;M)$ caused a significant stimulation of the $^{86}Rb$ efflux from rat urinary bladder and stomach fundus, which were antagonized by $10^{-5}\;M$ glibenclamide, whereas the $K^+$ channel openers could not exert a stimulation of the $^{86}Rb$ efflux from rat uterus. In conclusion, it is suggested that SKP-450 exerts potent relaxant effects on the urinary bladder detrusor muscle and duodenum, whereas it shows much less effect on stomach fundus and uterus as contrasted to LCRK.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.81-90
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• 2024

In this study, we aimed to determine the effect on cerebral blood vessels of various stimulus intensities using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). In particular, we wanted to monitor changes in blood flow and structural changes in the blood vessels in the common carotid artery (CCA) through low-intensity electrical stimulation that can cause non-perceptual sensory stimulation. Twenty-four healthy adults in their 20s participated in this study. Three stimulus intensities (below the sensory threshold, at the sensory threshold, and above the sensory threshold) were applied in random order. Changes in blood flow velocity according to the intensity of TENS stimulus were measured by placing the Doppler ultrasound transducer 1 cm below the CCA bifurcation, and the vascular structure was measured using B-mode imaging. C-mode Doppler and B-mode images were acquired before, during, and after the intervention for each stimulus, and changes in blood pressure were measured in each session. As a result, it was confirmed that peak systolic velocity (PSV) decreased significantly after the intervention in non-perceived sensory stimulation below the threshold, compared to other thresholds (p = .008). In particular, the PSV decreased by 3.04% on average compared to before stimulation (p = .011). However, there was no significant change in the CCA diameters before and after stimulation at all intensities. It was found that short-term, non-perceptual sensory stimulation was effective in reducing the blood flow rate without causing significant changes in either the blood vessel diameter or blood pressure. This change appears to be caused by a decrease in blood flow due to the effect of subtle vasodilation at non-perceptual sensory stimulation, and at stimulation intensity higher than that, the sympathetic nerves in the blood vessels are stimulated excessively and the blood vessels constrict. Therefore, this study can be rated as an important attempt to control blood flow through stimulation without such a psychological burden and sensory discomfort in the carotid area.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.39-52
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• 1993

The primary purpose of this study is to promote and establish the development of home health care in Korea. It focuses on identifying and classifying the nursing activities that were provided by health professionals for patients who were admitted to two hospitals with cerebral vascular disease. And also. the study was conducted for comparison of client selection criteria between health professionals, and identifying patients who needed home health care The subjects of this study were 38 patients with cerebral vascular disease who were admitted to neuro-surgery wards at 2 hospitals with more than 500 beds in Daegu from November 1. through 30. 1991. Survey instruments were questionnaires to identify nursing activities and classify patients who needed home health care. Data was collelected by 1 doctor and 2 nurses per patient independently. They checked the same patient with the questionnaire on the same day and never communicated their information about patients with each other. All the questionnaires checked by doctor and nurses completely were 90. Statistical methods for analyzing data were non-parametric tests (Kruskal Wallice test and sign test). Correlation and percentages were used for further analysis. From this study. the following summarized conclusions have been drawn. 1. 10. 2 kinds of treatment and nursing activities were provided by health professionals for patients with cerebral vascular disease in hospital. 2. The points of nursing needs were between 32-37 out of a total of 500 as a result of the assessment about the health status of patients who were admitted to neuro-surgery ward with cerebral vascular disease. The points of Barthel Index of Functional Status Assessing Devices were between 24-34. Client Selection Criteria for Home Health Care was congruent between the Health professionals because the difference were not found to be statistically significant. 3. Patients classfied as home health care clients were $70-80\%$ of all patients who were admitted in hospital. There was not significant difference in patient selection criteria for home health care between health professionals statistically. As a result. the validity of different tools used in classifying home health care client were found to be congruent. 4. $80-85\%$ patients who could be discharged and sent to their homes early were identified as home health care clients. This study using client selection criteria. for home health care contributed to tool development because the validity of tools was verified. And also, this research represented that there was congruency in patient selection criteria for home health care between different health professionals. As a result, this study represented that many patients who were admitted to hospitals could be classified as a home health care clients. On the basis of the findings. further studies are required to develop client selection criteria using universal tools for classifying home health care clients in other chronic diseases. It is also recommended that comparative studies for client selection criteria between health professionals treating in other chronic diseases are necessary.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.54 no.7
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• pp.398-406
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• 2024

Background and Objectives: Optimal anticoagulation in very elderly patients is challenging due to the high risk of anticoagulant-induced bleeding. The aim of this study was to assess outcomes of on-label reduced-dose edoxaban (30 mg) in very elderly patients who had additional risk factors for bleeding. Methods: This was a multi-center, prospective, non-interventional observational study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of on-label reduced-dose edoxaban in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients 80 years of age or older and who had more than 1 risk factor for bleeding. Results: A total of 2448 patients (mean age 75.0±8.3 years, 801 [32.7%] males) was included in the present study, and 586 (23.9%) were 80 years of age or older with additional risk factors for bleeding. Major bleeding events occurred frequently among very elderly AF patients who had additional bleeding risk factors compared to other patients (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-4.02); however, there were no significant differences in stroke incidence (HR, 1.86; 95% CI, 0.98-3.55). There were no significant differences for either factor after adjusting for age and sex (adjusted HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 0.75-3.62 for major bleeding; adjusted HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.51-2.50 for stroke). Conclusions: In very elderly AF patients with comorbidities associated with greater risk of bleeding, the incidence of major bleeding events was significantly increased. In addition, risk of stroke showed tendency to increase in same population. Effective anticoagulation therapy might be important in these high-risk population, and close observation of bleeding events might also be required.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.10
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• pp.995-1004
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• 2007

Purpose : Kawasaki disease is a systemic vasculitis, leading cause of pediatric acquired heart disease. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has functions as vascular permeability factor, plays an important role in coronary artery lesion (CAL). We studied the clinical significance of serum VEGF in Kawasaki disease. Methods : Kawasaki group was 49 patients, and control group was 15 patients. Diagnosis followed AHA (American Heart Association) diagnostic criteria, with blood sampling in acute, subacute, and convalescent phase. Echocardiographic abnormalities were defined and the definition of intravenous gamma globulin (IVGG)-responsive and IVGG-resistant was determined. Results : Serum VEGF of Kawasaki group was significantly higher than of control group. Comparison of serum VEGF between CAL and non-CAL group, between carditis group and non-carditis group showed no significant differences. Subacute serum VEGF was statistically higher in IVGG-resistant group than in IVGG-responsive group, and serum VEGF of IVGG-resistant group in subacute phase was statistically higher than in the other phases. Serum VEGF of convalescent CAL and non-CAL group in acute and subacute phase had meaningful differences. Total fever duration and subacute serum VEGF had positive correlation. Acute serum VEGF had positive correlation with ESR and CRP, all phases serum VEGF had also positive correlation with WBC. Acute and subacute serum VEGF had negative correlations with hemoglobin and albumin. Conclusion : Serum VEGF can help to determine the severity of Kawasaki disease, especially subacute serum VEGF seems to be used as a prognostic factor of coronary complication. Afterward, further studies needed with more strict diagnostic criteria and more study groups.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.468-471
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• 2016

An 81-year-old male patient presented with complaint of a pulsating neck mass. The patient had a previous history of cervical lymphadenopathy by non-tuberculous mycobacterium infection. Rapid growth of the mass on admission and contrast enhanced computed tomography of the neck resulted in a diagnosis of non-tuberculous mycobacterium induced pseudoaneurysm. The patient underwent emergency open repair of the pseudoaneurysm. Pseudoaneurysm of the common carotid artery is regularly reported, but here we report a rare case of non-tuberculous mycobacterium induced pseudoaneurysm of the common carotid artery.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.13-22
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• 2010

Objectives: The aims of this study were to provide basic information on health behaviors of diabetics by age groups, compared to non-diabetics group. Methods: 2007 National Health Nutrition and Examination Survey Data were used to compare health behaviors between the diabetics group (191 diabetics who had been diagnosed by a doctor) and the non-diabetics group (382 general population) according to age groups. For the purpose of analysis, $x^2$-test (Fischer's exact test) and conditional logistic regression were used. Results: There were significant differences in health behaviors between the diabetics group and the non-diabetics group according to the history of health screening, BMI and alcohol consumption, and there were different pattern of health behaviors by age group. Conclusion: When developing and implementing health education and specific intervention programs for the correction of health behaviors among diabetics, one should consider age, age-adjusted health behavior patterns and priority.