• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.310-317
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• 1992

Background: Angiotensin converting enzyme is a glycoprotein peptidyldipeptide hydrolase which cleaves the c-terminal dipeptides of several oligopeptides. It is a menbrane-bound protein mainly synthesized by the endothelial cells. Since the lung has the largest capillary bed of any organ in the body, it is here that ACE acts on circulating substrates like angiotensin I and bradykinin. It is well known that ACE correlates with disease activity in sarcoidosis and also there are reports that changes in serum ACE activity are found in many acute and chronic lung diseases. So we planned this study to see if serum ACE activity can act as a prognostic factor in lung cancer. Methods: Forty-one newly diagnosed lung cancer patients were included in the study group. There were 19 patients with squamous cell lung cancer, 13 with adenocarcinoma, and 9 with small cell carcinoma. Patients were excluded from the study if they had high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, renal disease, or other lung disease. Serum ACE activity was analyzed according to cell type, staging, mode of treatment, and clinical response to treatment. Results: 1) There was no difference in serum ACE activity between lung cancer patients and the control group. Also no difference in serum ACE activity was found according to cancer cell type or staging. 2) In patients who underwent curative resection of lung cancer, serum ACE activity was decreased significantly after the operation. 3) In patients who were diagnosed as non-small cell lung cancer and were treated with 4 cycles of anti-cancer chemotherapy without clinical improvement, changes in serum ACE activity were not seen after the treatment. 4) In patients diagnosed as small cell lung cancer treated with 4 cycles of anti-cancer chemotherapy with clinical improvement, changes in serum ACE activity were also not observed. Conclusion: Serum ACE activity was decreased after lung resection but had no relation to cell type, staging, or clinical response to treatment in lung cancer patients. Therefore, serum ACE activity is not suitable in predicting clinical outcome of lung cancer patients.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.205-212
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• 2001

Background : The information on nasal transport and the metabolism of peptides have been obtained from pharmacokinetic investigations in experimental animals. However, there are no transport and metabolic studies of human nasal epithelial cells. In this study, the permeability characteristics and the metabolic properties of in vitro human nasal cell monolayers were investigated. Material and Methods : Normal human inferior nasal conchal tissue samples were obtained from patients undergoing endoscopic nasal cavitary surgery. The specimens were cultured in a transwell using an air-liquid Interface (ALI) culture, and the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) value of the blank filter and confluent cell monolayers were measured. To determine the % leakage of mannitol, $4{\mu}mol%$ $^{14}C$-labelled mannitol was added and the % leakage was measured every 10 minute for 1 hour. Result : Human nasal epithelial cells in the primary culture grew to a confluent monolayer within 7 days and expressed microvilli. The tight junction between the cells was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The TEER value of the blank filter, fifth day and seventh day reached $108.5\;ohm.cm^2$, $141\;ohm.cm^2$ and $177.5\;ohm.cm^2$, respectively. Transcellular % leakage of the $^{14}$-mannitol at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 minutes was $35.67{\pm}5.43$, $34.42{\pm}5.60$, $32.75{\pm}5.71$, $31.76{\pm}4.22$, $30.96{\pm}3.49$ and $29.60{\pm}3.68\;%$, respectively. Conclusion : The human nasal epithelial monolayer using ALI culture techniques is suitable for a transcellular permeability study. The data suggests that human nasal epithelial cells In an ALI culture technique shows some promise for a nasal transport and metabolism study.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.390-394
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• 1993

Background: Bronchiectasis is characterized by chronic sputum production and complications such as hemoptysis and repeated infections. Even though some patients are cured by surgical resection of bronchiectatic lesions, most bronchiectasis patients can not be treated surgically because of multiple site involvement, and they are treated by medical measures such as postura1 drainage and antibiotics when indicated. Recently there have been some reports that low-dose longterm erythromycin treatment is effective on bronchiectsis, and it is well known that low-dose longterm erythromycin treatment is the treatment of choice in diffuse panbronchiolitis which is characterized by chronic sputum production and dyspnea. To evaluate the efficacy of erythromycin, we tried erythromycin on twenty five stable bronchiectasis patients for more than six months. Methods: We tried erythromycin 250 mg b.i.d. for more than 6 months. We checked respiratory symptoms, chest PA, spirometry, and side effects before treatment and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Results: 1) 32% of the patients showed marked improvement of symptoms and PFT. 32% showed slight improvement of symptoms with little change of PFT, and 36% showed no change of symptoms and signs. 2) Analysis of the patients showing marked improvement revealed that most of them had diffuse bronchiectasis and paranasal sinus involvement. Conclusion: These results suggest that low-dose longterm erythromycin treatment can be tried on diffuse bronchiectasis patients with sinus involvement. And further studies will be followed on the mechanism of erythromycin in bronchiectasis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.388-402
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• 1996

Background : To compare the diagnostic accuracies of High-resolution CT(HRCI) and chest radiography in the diagnosis of diffuse infiltrative lung disease(DILD). Methods : This study included ninety-nine patients with a diagnosis of acute or chronic DILD, representing 20 different diseases. Twelve normal subjects were included as control. The disease state was confirmed either pathologically or clinically. Radiographs and CT scans were evaluated separately by three independent observers without knowledge of clinical and pathologic results. The observers listed three most likely diagnoses and recorded degree of confidence. Results : The sensitivity of HRCT in the detection of DILD was 98.9% compared to 97.9% of chest radiography. Overall, a correct first-choice diagnosis was made in 48% using chest radiographs and in 60% using HRCT images. The correct diagnosis was among the top-three choices in 64% when chest radiographs were used, and in 75% when HRCT images were reviewed. Overally a confident diagnosis was reached more often with HRCT(55%) than with chest radiography(26%). The correct first-choice diagnosis increased remarkably when the HRCT was used in usual interstitial pneumonia, miliary tuberculosis, diffuse panbronchiolitis and lymphangitic carcinomatosis. Conclusion : HRCT is confirmed to be superior to conventional radiography in the detection and accurate diagnosis of DILD. HRCT is especially valuable in the diagnosis of usual interstitial pneumonia, miliary tuberculosis, diffuse panbronchiolitis, and lymphangitic carcinomatosis.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.383-392
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• 2009

Xanthii fructus which is well known as "Chang-ihjah" in Korea is the dried fruit of Xanthium strumarium L. (or Xanthium sibiricum PATR. Ex WIDD., Asteraceae. XS). Water extract of this fruit has been used for treatment of various inflammatory diseases such as tympanitis, allergic rhinitis, or ozena as alternative therapy material usually by oral administration in far Eastern countries including Korea. In this study, the effect of XS extract (XS-E) or XS-30% acetone fraction layer (XS-30% AFL) on the differentiation of $CD4^+$ T cells isolated from NC/Nga mouse and the production of IL-17 was investigated. The experimental results showed that $100\;{\mu}g$/mL of XS-E could decrease the production of IL-17 by $CD4^+$ Th17 cells by 2 fold and only $20\;{\mu}g$/mL of XS-30% AFL could inhibit 3.5 fold. The amount of IL-17A and IL-22 mRNA determined by real-time PCR was decreased remarkably when XS-E or XS-30% AFL was treated on $CD4^+$ Th17 cells(p<0.01, p<0.001). The amount of IL-17A protein determined by ELISA was also decreased remarkably(p<0.05, p<0.001). To study the effect of XS-E or XS-30% AFL on the proliferation of Th17 cells, $CD4^+$ T cells of a NC/Nga mouse was firstly differentiated by rIL-6/TGF-$\beta$ and then stimulated by rIL-23. The control group of Th17 cells were doubled every each day, while those of XS-E or XS-30% AFL treated group were shown to be delayed remarkably by these extracts. In conclusion, XS can inhibit the differentiation of Th17 cells of NC/Nga mouse and the production of IL-17 successfully, which may be a beneficial result for the treatment of atopic skin dermatitis.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.169-176
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• 2011

Oromandibular dystonia (OMD) is a form of focal dystonia that affects the masticatory, facial and lingual muscles in any variety of combinations, which results in repetitive involuntary and possibly painful jaw opening, closing, deviation or a combination of these movements. This study aimed to investigate clinical features and treatment type of OMD patients. By retrospective chart review, the study was conducted to consecutive OMD patients who visited a department of Oral Medicine and Orofacial Pain Clinic in a university dental hospital during Aug 2007 to Apr 2010. 78 OMD patients were identified with female preponderance (M:F=1:3.6) and a mean age of 72 years. Their mean duration of OMD was about 10 months. The most common chief complaints at the first visit was jaw ache, followed by uncontrolled, repetitive movement of the jaw and/or oral tissues, pain in the oral region(p=0.000). The most common subtype of OMD was lateral jaw-deviation dystonia, followed by combination and jaw-closing dystonia(p=0.001). While no apparent cause was recognized in over 60% of the OMD patients, peripheral trauma including dental treatment such as prosthetic treatment and extraction was the most frequently reported as precipitating factor(p=0.000). Medication was the 1st line therapy for our patients and anxiolytics such as clonazepam was given to most of them. Based on the results of this study, OMD is the disease of the elderly, particularly of women and causes orofacial pain and compromises function of orofacial region. Some patients considered dental treatment a precipitating factor. Dentists, therefore, should have knowledge of symptoms and treatment of OMD.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.40-48
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• 2005

In this study, the muscle strength and endurance of the lumbar at flexion and extension were determined using an isokinetic muscle strength meter (Biodex) in patients with chronic lumbar go (10 male and 10 females), and the changes in muscle strength and endurance of the lumbar at flexion and extension after application of Y-shaped sacrospinalis muscle taping, typically used for patient with lumbar go, were studied. In addition, the sacrospinalis muscle taping of a different shape (I-shaped taping) was applied bilaterally centering on the spine, and the muscle strength and endurance of the lumbar at flexion and extension were determined and compared with those before taping. In addition, the results after application of Y-shaped taping and I-shaped taping were also compared. 1. The extensor muscle strength of the lumbar at loading of $60^{\circ}$/sec before application of kinesio Taping and after application of Y-shaped taping showed the level of significance (p<.05). The flexor muscle strength of the lumbar at loading of $60^{\circ}$/sec before application of kinesio taping and after application of Y-shaped taping did not show the level of significance. 2. The flexor muscle endurance of the lumbar at loading of $90^{\circ}$/sec before application of kinesio Taping and application of Y-shaped taping did not show the level of significance. The extensor muscle endurance of the lumbar at loading of $90^{\circ}$/sec before application of kinesio Taping and after application of Y-shaped taping did not show the level of significance. 3. The extensor muscle strength of the lumbar at loading of $60^{\circ}$/sec before application of kinesio Taping and after application of I-shaped taping showed the level of significance (p<.05). The flexor muscle strength of the lumbar at loading of $60^{\circ}$/sec before application of kinesio Taping and after application of I-shaped taping showed the level of significance (p<.05). 4. The flexor muscle endurance of the lumbar at loading of $90^{\circ}$/sec before application of kinesio taping and after application of I-shaped taping showed the level of significance. The extensor muscle strength of the lumbar at loading of $90^{\circ}$/sec before application of kinesio Taping and after application of I-shaped taping showed the level of significance (p<.05). 5. In comparison between after application of Y-shaped taping and after application of I-shaped taping, the flexor muscle strength of the lumbar at loading of $60^{\circ}$/sec did not show the level of significance. In comparison between after application of Y-shaped taping and after application of I-shaped taping, the extensor muscle strength of the lumbar at loading of $60^{\circ}$/ sec showed the level of significance (p<.05). 6. In comparison between after application of Y-shaped taping and after application of I-shaped taping, the flexor muscle strength of the lumbar at loading of $90^{\circ}$/sec did not show the level of significance. In comparison between after application of Y-shaped taping and after application of I-shaped taping, the extensor muscle strength of the lumbar at loading of $90^{\circ}$/sec did not showed the level of significance (p<.05).

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.265-285
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• 2004

Objectives: The acute toxic effects of pesticide are well known. Concern has also been expressed that long-term exposure may result in damage to the central nervous system. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that central nervous system symptoms might occur due to pesticide exposure. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, first, cumulative exposure index (CEI) was estimated. Neurologic symptoms (Q-16 questionnaire) for 541 farmers (exposed to pesticides) were compared with 119 non-exposed persons in spraying season nine rural areas in Korea. Results: The pesticides poisoning rates for last 3 months were 67.2% for orchard farmers, 55.3%for dry field farmers, and 20.5% for husbandry farmers, respectively, showing significant difference (p<0.001). Compared with non-exposure group, exposure groups (especially, orchard farmers) reported significantly more neurologic symptoms and had a higher overall neurological symptoms score (p<0.001). Factors related to the positive neurological symptoms (answers "yes" to six or more of Q-16 questionnaire) adjusted for age, sex, education level, smoking and alcohol drinking were type of farming (OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.50-6.30 in orchard farmers vs non-exposure group), CEI (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.12-6.78 in Q3 vs Q1), past poisoning (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.21-3.20 vs normal), current mild poisoning (OR 3.03, 9500 CI 1.47-6.22 vs normal) and current moderate poisoning (OR 6.34, 95% CI 3.03-13.25 vs normal), respectively. Conclusions: These results suggest that long-term exposure to pesticides appears to be associated with subtle changes in the central nervous system.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.1047-1057
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• 1998

Background : Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disorder of unknown origin and characterized by accumulation of T cells and macrophages. Various cytokines may play crucial roles in the activation of T cells and macrophages, and thereby in the formation of granulomas. However, little is known about the balance between proinflammatory cytokines and antiinflammatory cytokines in the development of sarcoid granulomas and disease activities. In the present study, we measured IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) from patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis to find out whether there is an imbalance between proinflammatory cytokines and antiinflammatory cytokines in the lung. Methods: Fourteen subjects with the diagnosis of sarcoidosis and six healthy volunteers were included. BALF was concentrated ten-fold by pressure ultrafiltration and each cytokine levels were measured by EUSA method. Active sarcoidosis was defined by major organ involvement or clinically progressive diseases. Results: The mean IL-6 levels in the BALF of the active sarcoidosis group were significantly increased than in controls or inactive sarcoidosis group(p<0.05). Meanwhile, the IL-8 levels were increased and IL-10 levels were decreased in the active sarcoidosis group than in controls or inactive sarcoidosis group without significance(p>0.05). In active pulmonary sarcoidosis patients, the IL-6 levels in BALF correlated with the BALF CD4/CD8 ratio(r=0.768, p<0.05) and IL-8 levels(r=0.564, p<0.05). Conclusions : The data presented showed that pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 is important in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis and decreased tendency of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 might also be involved in the development of granulomatous inflammation in sarcoidosis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.61 no.1
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• pp.26-33
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• 2006

Background: Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation(NPPV) has been increasingly used over the past decade in the management of acute or chronic respiratory failure and weaning of mechanical ventilation. We performed this clinical study to evaluate the usefulness of NPPV in patients who developed acute respiratory failure or post-extubation respiratory failure. Methods: We analysed thirty four patients(sixteen males and eighteen females, mean ages 58 years) who applied NPPV(BIPAP S/T, Respironics co., USA) for respiratory failure or weaning difficulty at medical intensive care unit(MICU), emergency room and general ward of a tertiary hospital. We evaluated the underlying causes of respiratory failure, duration of treatment, the degree of adaptation, complication and predictive parameters of successful outcome. Results: The overall success rate of NPPV was seventy-one percent. The duration of NPPV applying time, baseline blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate, $PaO_2$, $PaCO_2$, $SaO_2$ were not different between success group and failure group. But, the baseline pH was higher in the success group. Predictors of success were higher baseline pH, patients with underlying disease of COPD, improvement of vital sign and arterial blood gas value after NPPV application. The success rate in patients with post-extubation respiratory failure was eighty percent. There were no serious complication on applying NPPV except minor complications such as facial skin erythema, abdominal distension & dry mouth. Conclusion: NPPV may be effective treatment in patients with acute respiratory failure or post-extubation respiratory failure in selected cases.