• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.25-40
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• 2011

Objectives: This study was performed to assess whether herbal medicine and acupuncture before in vitro fertilizationembryo transfer (IVF-ET) is effective on clinical pregnancy. Methods: From May 2010 to January 2011, a prospective analysis study was performed in 38 patients planning to undergo IVF-ET after taking herb medicine and acupuncture treatment. This study investigated the pregnancy rate and analyzed the change of dysmenorrhea by visual analog scale (VAS), body heat and condition of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), vaginal discharge and menstruation status. Results: 1. During herbal medicine and acupuncture treatment, five patients (13.16%) naturally became pregnant and six patients (15.79%) withdrew. After treatment, 15 patients (39.47%) received IVF-ET, 12 patients (31.58%) did not. 2. The biochemical pregnancy rate was 26.67%, the clinical pregnancy rate 26.67%, miscarriage rate 25% and ectopic pregnancy rate was 0%. 3. After treatment, PMS, dysmenorrhea and dysmenorrhea VAS was significantly decreased and the overall menstrual status improved. 4. After treatment, temperature difference of CV17-CV12 and CV4-CV12 increased, but it was not a statistically significant difference. 5. After treatment, decrease of hemoglobin and protein and increase of total bilirubin and creatinine were statistically significant. All the blood test results were within normal levels which proves safety of treatment. Conclusions: This study suggests that herbal medicine and acupuncture treatment before IVF-ET shows similar pregnancy rates with existing rates, but contributes to increasing the possibility of natural pregnancy.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.270-277
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• 2015

Purpose: Minimally invasive gastrectomy (MIG), including laparoscopic distal subtotal gastrectomy (LDG) and robotic distal subtotal gastrectomy (RDG), is performed for gastric cancer, and requires a learning period. However, there are few reports regarding MIG by a beginner surgeon trained in MIG for gastric cancer during surgical residency and fellowship. The aim of this study was to report our initial experience with MIG, LDG, and RDG by a trained beginner surgeon. Materials and Methods: Between January 2014 and February 2015, a total of 36 patients (20 LDGs and 16 RDGs) underwent MIG by a beginner surgeon during the learning period, and 13 underwent open distal subtotal gastrectomy (ODG) by an experienced surgeon in Bundang CHA Medical Center. Demographic characteristics, operative findings, and short-term outcomes were evaluated for the groups. Results: MIG was safely performed without open conversion in all patients and there was no mortality in either group. There was no significant difference between the groups in demographic factors except for body mass index. There were significant differences in extent of lymph node dissection (LND) (D2 LND: ODG 8.3% vs. MIG 55.6%, P=0.004) and mean operative time (ODG 178.8 minutes vs. MIG 254.7 minutes, P<0.001). The serial changes in postoperative hemoglobin level (P=0.464) and white blood cell count (P=0.644) did not show significant differences between the groups. There were no significant differences in morbidity. Conclusions: This study showed that the operative and short-term outcomes of MIG for gastric cancer by a trained beginner surgeon were comparable with those of ODG performed by an experienced surgeon.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.262-269
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• 2015

Purpose: Intraabdominal abscess is one of the most common reasons for re-hospitalization after gastrectomy. This study aimed to develop a model for estimating the probability of intraabdominal abscesses that can be used during the postoperative period. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathological data of 1,564 patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer between 2010 and 2012. Twenty-six related markers were analyzed, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to develop the probability estimation model for intraabdominal abscess. Internal validation using a bootstrap approach was employed to correct for bias, and the model was then validated using an independent dataset comprising of patients who underwent gastrectomy between January 2008 and March 2010. Discrimination and calibration abilities were checked in both datasets. Results: The incidence of intraabdominal abscess in the development set was 7.80% (122/1,564). The surgical approach, operating time, pathologic N classification, body temperature, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein level, glucose level, and change in the hemoglobin level were significant predictors of intraabdominal abscess in the multivariate analysis. The probability estimation model that was developed on the basis of these results showed good discrimination and calibration abilities (concordance index=0.828, Hosmer-Lemeshow chi-statistic P=0.274). Finally, we combined both datasets to produce a nomogram that estimates the probability of intraabdominal abscess. Conclusions: This nomogram can be useful for identifying patients at a high risk of intraabdominal abscess. Patients at a high risk may benefit from further evaluation or treatment before discharge.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.324-329
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• 1995

The phylogenetic relationships between Cheju native horses and Tsushima native horses were studied by protein polymorphism analyses in 16 gene loci (Trypsin inhibitor: Ti, Chymotrypsin inhibitor: CTi, Albumin: Al, Esterase: Es, Transferrin: Tf, Hemoglobin: Hb, Catalase: Cat, Esterase D: EsD, Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase: GOT, Glyoxalase I: GLO I, Acid phosphatase: AcP, Superoxide dismutase: SOD, Lactate dehydrogenase: LDH, Hexokinase: HK, Malate dehydrogenase: MDH, Malic enzyme: ME). All allelic patterns of the protein loci, except 5 loci (SOD, LDH, HK, MDH, ME), were polymorphic in both two populations. Gene frequencies of the polymorphic loci of the population of Cheju native horses were higher than those of Tsushima native horses. Average heterozygosity in Cheju native horses was 0.375, showing higher than that of Tsushima native horses (0.304). The Da distance and gene identity of two populations were 0.108 and 0.868, respectively. The phylogenetic tree constructed by these results and those previously reported in other horse populations, consisted of three clusters. From this phylogenetic tree, it could be suggested that Cheju native horses and Tsushima native horses had diverged from the Mongolian wild horse (Equus prsewolskii).

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.363-368
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• 2009

In this experiment, three different diets were produced to investigate the effects of Jeju native chicken meat, from chickens that were fed a tangerine by-product, on physiological activities in rats. The first diet did not contain any chicken (TS), the second diet contained 10% chicken that had not been fed the tangerine by-product (T0), and the third diet contained 10% that had been fed the by-products (T1). These diets were provided to 11-week-old male rats for four weeks. Weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency, liver, kidney, and epididymis fat weights were not significantly different among the TS, T0, and T1 groups. Total lipid, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels in the liver were significantly lower in T0 and T1 than in TS (p<0.05). And total lipid, phospholipid, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, DL+VLDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol, and atherogenic index levels in the blood serum were similar between T0 and T1, which did not present any significant differences. The feed containing the tangerine by-product did not cause any statistically significant differences in serum protein, glucose, or hemoglobin. Finally, T0 and T1 showed similar trends in terms of $\gamma$-GTP, ALT, AST, and ALP activities, which again did not present any statistically significant differences.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.8-13
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• 2011

Purpose: Although glyphosate-surfactant herbicide intoxication is relatively mild toxic in humans, we encountered an atypical clinical presentation. We performed this study to understand the atypical clinical course and factors associated with severe intoxication after glyphosate ingestion. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 61 patients (male 43, mean age $54{\pm}18.8$ years) who were presented with glyphosate ingestion between March 1997 and March 2011. The severe intoxication group was defined as patients with systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg, respiratory distress needing intubation, or altered mental state. Results: Of the 61 patients, 22 patients (36.1%) had a severe clinical course, 1 patient (1.6%) had died and 1 patient (1.6%) had moribund discharge. The most common symptoms were nausea with or without vomiting which occurred in 30 patients (49.2%). Twenty-seven patients had metabolic acidosis that was the second most common medical complication. Advanced age, pH, base excess, $HCO_3$, Sat, creatinine, X-ray abnormalities and ECG abnormalities were significant factors. Hemoglobin, platelet, $pO_2$, $pCO_2$, BUN, sodium, potassium and AST levels were not different comparing the laboratory characteristics between the severe and mild intoxication groups. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that severe intoxication occurred in 22 patients (36.1%) after glyphosate intoxication. Advanced age, pH, base excess, $HCO_3$, Sat, creatinine, X-ray abnormality and ECG abnormalities were significant predictive factors for severe intoxication in patients with glyphosate surfactant herbicide poisoning.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.41-45
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• 2013

Following are brief statements about the delayed encephalopathy of a patient who recovered without disturbance of consciousness after acute carbon monoxide poisoning. A 72-year-old male was found without consciousness at home and then visited the ER center. Later we learned that the patient was using briquettes as a household heating source. Blood carbon monoxide hemoglobin level was 17.5%. As carbon monoxide poisoning was uncertain after the first interview with the patient, hyperbaric oxygen therapy was not administered at the early stage. After supplying 100% oxygen, the patient recovered consciousness, however, the strength of the lower limb muscle had decreased to class II. The patient showed continued weakening of the lower limb muscle and an increase of CPK; therefore, he was diagnosed as carbon monoxide intoxication and rhabdomyolysis and then admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for conservative treatment. During the hospitalization period, continued weakening of the lower limb muscle was observed and he was diagnosed as myopathy after EMG/MCV. However, he suddenly showed altered mentality on the 20th day of hospitalization, and underwent brain MRI. T2 weighted MRI showed typically high signal intensity of both globus pallidus and periventricular white matter; therefore, he was diagnosed as delayed carbon monoxide encephalopathy. This case showed delayed encephalopathy accompanied by rhabdomyolysis and myopathy of a patient who recovered without disturbance of consciousness.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.14-24
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hypertension, and to assess the risk factors associated with hypertension in elderly (over 65 years old) Koreans, using data from the 4th Korean National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey (the 4th KNHANES), 2007~2009. A total of 1,887 participants were analyzed for assessing the risk factors after excluding those who took hypertension medicines or underwent diet therapy (hypertension perceivers). On the other hand, in analyzing prevalence, a total of 3,526 people were analyzed, including hypertension perceivers. Hypertension was more frequently found in female (64.1%) and urban (62.0%) groups compared to male (55.6%) and rural (57.4%) groups. The mean age of the hypertensive group was significantly higher than that of normal group. The mean values of total cholesterol levels were also significantly higher in the hypertensive group, while body weight, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin, hematocrit, LDL-cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol were not. Multiple logistic regression showed that smoking was significantly related to the prevalence of hypertension, but alcohol drinking, stress, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes, anemia, and nutrient intakes were not. The results of this study does not support clear relations of hypertension with chronic diseases including obesity, hyperlipidemia, anemia, and diabetes as well as nutrient intakes among a Korean elderly population. A prospective long-term research study is needed to establish the effects of these factors on hypertension.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.659-663
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• 2002

${\beta}$ thalassemias are usually transmitted as autosomal recessive traits. However, some dominant forms of ${\beta}$ thalassemia have been identified in individuals who have inherited a single copy of an abnormal ${\beta}$ globin gene. Thalassemia intermedia with mild anemia, jaundice, and splenomegaly has been observed in these patients. Electrophoresis has shown elevated Hemoglobin(Hb) $A_2$ and Hb F levels. In particular, there are inclusion bodies in the erythroid precursors and peripheral red blood cells after splenectomy. The molecular basis of these dominant ${\beta}$ thalassemias is heterogeneous. The authors studied the first Korean case of dominantly inherited ${\beta}$ thalassemia due to Hb Dieppe. Hb Dieppe is a missense mutation of ${\beta}$ codon $127(CAG{\rightarrow}CGG)Gln{\rightarrow}Arg$. The patient in this case was characterized by moderate anemia, hypochromia, microcytosis, elevated Hb $A_2$ levels, elevated Hb F levels and splenomegaly. The father of the patient also has the same disease. We report this case and review related literature.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.123-127
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• 2011

Purpose: Kawasaki disease (KD) is the main cause of acquired heart disease in children. In addition to cardiovascular involvement, many complications have been recognized in KD. However, respiratory complications have been rarely reported. We investigated the differences in clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, radiography findings, and echocardiography findings of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and other types of pneumonia in KD patients. Methods: Among 358 patients with KD, 54 developed concurrent pneumonia. Among the 54 patients, 12 (22.2%) with high titers of anti-M. pneumoniae antibody (AMA) (>1:640) were grouped in the M. pneumoniae group and 42 were included in the control group. Serum AMA was measured in each patient. Clinical laboratory findings and total duration of fever were analyzed. Results: The duration of fever, serum hemoglobin, white blood cell count, platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, albumin level, and the incidence of coronary arterial lesions showed no statistical difference in the 2 groups. Neutrophil count was significantly higher in the M. pneumoniae group than in the control group. Among various radiography findings observed in pneumonia, consolidation and pleural effusion were more frequent in the M. pneumoniae group than in the control group. On the other hand, parahilar peribronchial opacification, diffuse interstitial lesion, and normal findings prevailed in the control group. Conclusion: KD patients can have concurrent infections, especially pulmonary symptoms. The cause of KD is likely to be associated with M. pneumoniae infection. Thus, immediate treatment of M. pneumoniae infection in KD patients is very important.