• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.231-237
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• 2008

Objective of this research was to investigate the effect of calcium concentrations in the fertilizer solution on growth and development of Ca deficiency in 'Maehyang' strawberry (Fragaria $\times$ ananassa Duch.). The margins of the youngest leaves were scorched and they developed a cupped shape as they were expanded in Ca deficient plants. The vein area of the youngest leaves became brown when the deficiency became severe. The quadratic responses were observed in dry weight production to elevated Ca concentrations in fertilizer solutions with the highest growth in 4.5 mM treatment. The regression equation was y=2.4026+1.0209x-$0.098x^2$ $(R^2=0.3546^{***})$. However, tissue Ca contents increased lineally as the Ca concentrations in fertilizer solutions were elevated (y=1.2108+0.1333x, $R^2=0.9189^{***}$). In changes of the fresh weight and Ca concentrations in petiole sap, fresh weight production showed quadratic responses to elevated Ca concentrations in fertilizer solution, but Ca concentration increased lineally. The equations in changes of fresh weight and Ca concentrations were y=9.273+4.882x-$0.4245x^2$ $(R^2=0.4935^{***})$ and y=52.311+3.2917x $(R^2=0.6918^{***})$, respectively. When the concentration of calcium at which plant growth was retarded by 10% is regarded as critical concentration level, the calcium contents based on dry weight of above ground plant tissue and in petiole sap should be in the range between 1.6 to 2.25% and 63 to $79mg{\cdot}kg^{-1}$, respectively.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.271-278
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• 2017

This study was performed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of aluminum chloride ($AlCl_3$), and the protective effect of Lonicerae flos (LF) extract on $AlCl_3-induced$ cytotoxicity in the cultured C6 glioma cells. Here, the cell viability and antioxidative effects, such as DPPH-radical scavenging activity, superoxide anion scavenging activity, and lipid peroxidation (LP), were assessed. $AlCl_3$ significantly decreased the cell viability in a dose-dependent manner; the $XTT_{50}$ value was measured at $128.8{\mu}M$ of $AlCl_3$. The cytotoxicity of $AlCl_3$ was determined as highly toxic the y Borenfreund and Puerner's toxic criteria. The butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and antioxidant both significantly increased the cell viability, which was damaged by $AlCl_3-induced$ cytotoxicity in these cultures. In the protective effect of LF extract on $AlCl_3-induced$ cytotoxicity, the LF extract significantly increased the superoxide anion scavenging activity and inhibitory activity of LP, as well as the DPPH-radical scavenging activity. From these results, it is suggested that the oxidative stress may have been involved in the cytotoxicity of $AlCl_3$, and LP extract effectively protected $AlCl_3-induced$ cytotoxicity through the antioxidative effects. Conclusively, the natural resources, like LP extract, may be a putative therapeutic agent for the treatment of dementia induced by allergen like aluminum correlated with the oxidative stress.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.102-108
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• 2016

Purpose: Kawasaki disease (KD) shows a variety of clinical signs of multi-system involvement, including clinical diagnostic criteria. It is unknown that the severity of the clinical signs is associated with the risk of coronary artery lesions (CALs). We wanted to evaluate clinical characteristics and the risk of CALs in the patient groups who had severe skin lesions or those with arthritis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 220 KD patients who were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). We compared clinical and laboratory data between the group with severe skin lesions (n=52) and those with mild or no skin lesions (n=168), and between the group with arthritis (n=6) and those without arthritis (n=214). Results: The mean age of total patients was $2.23{\pm}1.87years$ of age, and the male-to-female ratio was 1.5:1 (138/82). Among 220 patients, 52 patients had CALs (23.6%), and 29 patients (13.2%) showed incomplete KD. The patients with CALs had a higher mean age, longer total fever duration, and higher rate of IVIG non-responsiveness. The patient group with severe skin lesions showed a higher mean age (P<0.001), more prolonged fever duration (P=0.041), higher frequency of CALs (P=0.033), higher WBC, neutrophil, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio levels, compared to the patient group without severe skin lesions. The patients with arthritis had a tendency of further treatment with methylprednisolone or infliximab. Conclusions: The frequency of CALs was higher in patient group with severe skin lesions. Our results suggest that the intensity of clinical signs of KD such as skin rash, cervical lymphadenopathy and possibly arthritis may be associated the risk of CALs.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.137-146
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• 1996

There has been no general agreement about optimal time for nerve surgery in the closed brachial plexus injury(BPI). From our early experiences, we knew by chance that spontaneous recovery in BPI patients may begin even later than 8 months after injury. Authors' strategy, which was based on our early experiences, for the treatment of closed fresh injury was 'wait and see' unlit 8 months after injury. From 1985 to 1994, we observed 103 patients with BPI. All of them did not have any operation until 8 months after injury. There were 95 men and 8 women with a mean age of 29 years. Motorcycle injury(31%) and vehicle accident(28%) were main causes of injury. Whole plexus types were observed in 56 patients(54%), upper plexus types in 29(28%), lower plexus types in 3(3%), and infraclavicular types in 15(15%). Electromyography was performed in all patients. This was repeated every three months to detect the recovery. Results were evaluated by authors' criteria, in which AMA system of brachial plexus impairment was modified. Duration of follow up was average 25 months. 47 patients(46%) showed spontaneous improvement, which was initially detected at average 7.8 months(range,3 months-16 months) after trauma by electromyography. The average score of these 47 patients improved from 14.8 points to 39.8 points.31 patients(30%) had nerve surgery such as nerve graft, neurotization or neurolysis. Average duration from injury to nerve surgery, was 10 months. Among 31 patients who had nerve surgery, 16 patients improved from preoperative 21.5 points to postoperative 36.3 points in average. Because spontaneous recovery began in average 7.8 months after injury, we think that it would be better to 'wait and see' for at least one year in patients with closed BPI expecting spontaneous recovery.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.611-621
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• 2001

Objective : We analyzed the clinical and endocrinological results of the transsphenoidal microsurgery for ACTH secreting pituitary adenomas. Marerials and Methods : From October 1995 to August 2000, 18 patients underwent transsphenoidal microsurgery for Cushing's disease. We analyzed the surgical results of 17 patients, one patient who was previously operated from other hospital was excluded. Age of the patients were 18 to 61 years old(mean 37.7), male to female ratio was 1 : 3.3, and follow-up period was 3 to 50 months(mean 20.3). The selection of candidates for transsphenoidal exploration was based on endocrinologic criteria. Magnetic resonance imaging was the preferred radiologic test. Selective inferior petrosal sinus sampling of adrenocorticotropic hormone futher refined the diagnosis when endocrinologic and radiologic procedures were not definitive. Results : Results of the preoperative endocrinological test were : level of serum ACTH 29.4 to $225{\mu}g/dL$(mean $93.88{\mu}g/dL$) ; serum cortisol 11.9 to $47.5{\mu}g/dL$(mean $27.49{\mu}g/dL$) ; 24-hour urine free cortisol 235 to $1019{\mu}g/day$(mean $571.0{\mu}g/day$). Inferior petrosal sinus sampling for ACTH was performed in 11 patients and all were confirmed by Cushing's disease and we could predict the laterality of the tumor in 9 of 11 patients. We performed transsphenoidal selective adenomectomy in 5 patients, adenomectomy and subtotal hypophysectomy in 2 patients, adenomectomy and partial hypophysectomy in 9 patients, and in the remaining one patient, hemihypophysectomy followed by total hypophysectomy due to remission failure. Fifteen of 17 patients(88.2%) showed endocrinological remission. Glucocorticoid replacement therapy was performed in all the patients who showed remission for 1 to 24 months(mean 5.9 months), and 6 patients received steroid over 6 months. Conclusion : We conclude that the direct demonstration of a tumor in the pituitary gland by MRI is the most important and definitive diagnostic tool and the location of a mass should be confirmed with increased level of ACTH by the inferior petrosal sinus sampling. Transsphenoidal microsurgery is effective treatment modality for Cushing's disease and the immediate postoperative evaluation of the surgical resection of the tumor is very important. The patients should show hypocortisolism, decreased, subnormal serum ACTH and cortisol levels and 24-hours urine free cortisol. We performed 18 transsphenoidal microsurgery for Cushing's disease in 17 patients and 15 patients(88.2%) showed endocrinological remission.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.7
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• pp.818-823
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• 2009

Purpose : We aimed to evaluate the frequency and characteristics of minor clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis (AD) in Korean children to aid the diagnosis and treatment of AD. Methods : From April 2007 to December 2007, we enrolled 106 children (aged 1 month [infants] to 15 years) diagnosed with AD at the Pediatric Allergy Respiratory Center in Soonchunhyang University Hospital. Clinical manifestations were examined and laboratory findings (total and specific immunoglobulin E [IgE] levels and peripheral blood eosinophil count) were analyzed and compared. Results : Minor symptoms, in order of frequency, included xerosis (78.3%), aggravation due to environmental or emotional stress (43.4%), lichenification (35.8%), orbital darkening (34.0%), periauricular eczema (33.0%), and cutaneous infection (31.1%). Older children (${\geq}2$ years) showed more orbital darkening (P=0.01), horizontal crease (P=0.01), and lichenification (P=0.001) than infants. Patients with severe AD (scoring atopic dermatitis [SCORAD] score, ${\geq}40$) showed higher frequencies of xerosis (P= 0.04), cutaneous infection (P=0.03), ichthyosis (P=0.18), keratosis pilaris (P=0.02), pityriasis alba (P=0.07), recurrent conjunctivitis (P=0.02), orbital darkening (P=0.001), aggravation due to environmental or emotional stress (P=0.05), facial eczema (P=0.001), lichenification (P=0.001), and hand/foot eczema (P=0.04) than those with mild-to-moderate AD. Children with atopic eczema showed more facial eczema (P=0.01) and lichenification (P=0.04) than those with non-atopic eczema. Conclusion : The clinical manifestations of AD were similar to those established by Hanifin and Rajka. However, we need to develop our own diagnostic criteria for AD, because the frequencies shown by our subjects differed from those observed in other countries.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.199-210
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• 1996

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis(IHPS), which occurs three of 1,000 live births, is a major cause of nonbilious vomiting of early infancy but its etiology and pathogenesis are still obscure. The operation of pyloromyotomy as described by Ramstedt in 1912 remains the standard of care for the treatment of IHPS. From January 1993 to October 1996, 35 infants with IHPS were surgically treated and the following results were obtained. 1. Thirty-five patients comprised 32 males and 3 females, and the ratio of male to female was 10.7:1. 2. The most prevalent age group was between 2 weeks and 8 weeks. 3. Of 35 infants, first born babies were 23 cases(65.7%). 4. Breast feeding was in 23 cases(65.7%). 5. The body weight percentile at admission was lower than 50 percentile in all 35 cases. 6. Onset of symptoms was predominantly between 1week and 2 weeks in 11 cases(31.4%). 7. All had a history of nonbilious vomting, generally projectile in nature. 8. In the measured serum electrolytes, hypokalemia was noted in 9 cases(25.7%), hypochloremia was observed in 14 cases(40.0%). 9. In the preoperative ultrasonography, the average muscle thickness, diameter, and length of the pylorus were 6.2mm, 12.1mm, and 17.9mm, respectively. 10. Among 35 cases, significant sonographic criteria of IHPS, muscle thickness of 5mm or more, were noted in 26 cases(83.9%). 11. A total of seven associated anomalies were noted in six patients. 12. All 35 cases were treated with Fredet-Ramstedt pyloromyotomy. 13. There were postoperative complications of wound infection in 2 cases. Intermittent nonprojectile vomiting was presented in 8 cases(22.9%) after operation, but one of them was relieved in 13 days and the rest were relieved within one week by adjustment of oral intake.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.54-67
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• 1992

The author studied the mental status of 497 patients admitted in non-psychiatric wards and 42 patients diagnosed as mental disorders by DSM-III-R criteria and admitted in three general hospitals located in Pusan city, using NADS and PSCS. The assessment were obtained from October, 1991 to March, 1992 and the results as follows: The mean ${\pm}$ SD of Anxiety-Depression scores were $34.4{\pm}10.4$ in non-psychiatric patients and $50.0{\pm}18.3$ in psychiatric patients. The psychiatric group had significantly higher scores than non-psychiatric group. The mean ${\pm}$ SD of Psychosis scores were $3.9{\pm}4.4$ in non-psychiatric patients and $20.3{\pm}9.8$ in psychiatric patients. The psychiatric group had significantly higher scores than non-psychiatric group. In the psychosocial factors, dissatisfaction in family atmosphere and acquaintanceship with parellts(P<0.001, relatively), pessimistic in future, present and past self-images(P<0.001, relatively), and yes in previous psychiatric treatment of admission(P<0.01, relatively) had common significant relationships to Anxiety-Depression and Psychosis scores. There were correlationships between NADS scores and PSCS scores(${\gamma}$ = 0.74), past and present self-images(${\gamma}$ = 0.45), present and future self images(${\gamma}$ = 0.45), past and future self-images(${\gamma}$ = 0.34) and family atmosphere and acquaintanceship with parents(${\gamma}$ = 0.49). The regression analysis revealed that present self-image, acquaintanceship with parents, future self-image, past self-image, and family atmosphere, in order of significance were to be descriptive or predicable variances for Anxiety-Depression status. The discriminant analysis according to Anxiety-Depression scores showed that the cases of incorrect classification were 22 for non-psychiatric patient group and 2 for psychiatric patient group.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.391-395
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• 2008

Purpose : This study was performed evaluate optimal dose for disimpaction, efficacy and safety of PEG 4000 in children with chronic functional constipation. Methods : Eighty six children with chronic functional constipation were enrolled in this prospective study at Konkuk university hospital March, 2003 through August, 2006. Success in disimpaction with PEG 4000 was defined as meeting at least two out of three criteria; resolution of chief complaint, getting easiness of defecation with respect to frequency of bowel movement and hardness of stool based on defecation diary, and decrease in fecal impaction on simple abdominal X-ray test. Adverse effects of PEG 4000 were monitored clinically and biochemically. Results : Eighty three out of 86 children completed the study, and success rate of disimpaction was 99% (82/83). The mean dose of PEG 4000 for disimpaction was $0.93{\pm}0.28g/kg/day$ (0.4-2.0 g/kg/day, Max.: 30 g/day). Frequency of bowel movement increased ($5.02{\pm}2.71/wk$ vs. $11.25{\pm}5.43/wk$) in most children (79/83). Fecal impaction on simple abdominal X-ray test improved with statistical significance in 25 children (P=0.0007). Because of adverse effect of PEG 4000, 3 children did not complete the study; urticaria, severe diarrhea, diarrhea and abdominal pain. One 6-year-old girl who completed the study complained tingling sensation in the hand and foot without laboratory abnormality (4/86, 4.7%). Laboratory test revealed hyperosmolality without clinical symptom in 1 child, and eosinophilia in 6 children. Conclusion : The average safe and effective dose of PEG 4000 for disimpaction was $0.93{\pm}0.28g/kg/day$ (0.4-2.0 g/kg/day, Max : 30 g/day) in children with chronic functional constipation.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.191-214
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• 2018

This research empirically analyzed the selection factors and the locational selection factors of the medical service facilities according to the gradual increase of the importance of the selection factors and the locational selection factors regarding the establishments of the small- and medium-sized hospitals according to the rapid changes of the socio-economic conditions. By analyzing the priority order according to the levels of the importance of each evaluation item factor through a research related to the selection factors and the locational selection factors of the small- and medium-sized hospitals and by drawing what the important factors that have the influences on the competitiveness of the pre-existent small- and medium-sized hospitals are through the classification of the real estate locational factors and the non-locational factors, the purpose lies in utilizing them as the basic data and materials for the opening strategies of the small- and medium-sized hospitals considering the special, locational characteristics according to the important factors of the selection factors of the small- and medium-sized hospitals, regarding the medical suppliers that have been preparing, for opening the new, small- and medium-sized hospitals. Based on the results of the preceding researches and the researches on the case examples, 28 evaluation factors were arrived at in terms of the level of the medical treatment, the medical services, the accessibilities of the hospitals, the conveniences of the hospitals, and the physical environment. And, regarding the 28 detailed evaluation factors that had been collected, through the interviews with the related experts, the 5 factors of the medical level, the medical service, the expertise of the hospital, the convenience of the hospital, and the physical environment were selected as the upper class evaluation factors. And, according to each upper class, a total of 28 low-part evaluation factors were selected. Regarding the optimal evaluation factors that were selected, the optimal locational factors were selected by carrying out an AHP questionnaire survey investigation with 200 medical experts as the subjects. Regarding the AHP analysis results, similarly with the case examples of the precedent researches, the levels of the importance appeared in the order of the medical level, the medical services, the accessibility of the hospital, the physical environment, and the convenience. And the factors that were related to the facilities of a hospital appeared low. The results of this research can be applied in providing the basis for the decision-makings regarding the selections of the locations of the small- and medium-sized hospitals in the future.