• Molecules and Cells
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• 제43권4호
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• pp.408-418
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• 2020

The sinus node (SN) is located at the apex of the cardiac conduction system, and SN dysfunction (SND)-characterized by electrical remodeling-is generally attributed to idiopathic fibrosis or ischemic injuries in the SN. SND is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disorders, including syncope, heart failure, and atrial arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation. One of the histological SND hallmarks is degenerative atrial remodeling that is associated with conduction abnormalities and increased right atrial refractoriness. Although SND is frequently accompanied by increased fibrosis in the right atrium (RA), its molecular basis still remains elusive. Therefore, we investigated whether SND can induce significant molecular changes that account for the structural remodeling of RA. Towards this, we employed a rabbit model of experimental SND, and then compared the genome-wide RNA expression profiles in RA between SND-induced rabbits and sham-operated controls to identify the differentially expressed transcripts. The accompanying gene enrichment analysis revealed extensive pro-fibrotic changes within 7 days after the SN ablation, including activation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling and alterations in the levels of extracellular matrix components and their regulators. Importantly, our findings suggest that periostin, a matricellular factor that regulates the development of cardiac tissue, might play a key role in mediating TGF-β-signaling-induced aberrant atrial remodeling. In conclusion, the present study provides valuable information regarding the molecular signatures underlying SND-induced atrial remodeling, and indicates that periostin can be potentially used in the diagnosis of fibroproliferative cardiac dysfunctions.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제78권4호
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• pp.463-468
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• 2015

Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis is an uncommon diffuse cystic lung disease in adults. In rare cases, it can involve extrapulmonary organs and lead to endocrine abnormalities such as central diabetes insipidus. A 42-year-old man presented with polyphagia and polydipsia, as well as a dry cough and dyspnea on exertion. Magnetic resonance imaging of the hypothalamic-pituitary system failed to show the posterior pituitary, which is a typical finding in patients with central diabetes insipidus. This condition was confirmed by a water deprivation test, and the patient was also found to have type 2 diabetes mellitus. Computed tomographic scanning of the lungs revealed multiple, irregularly shaped cystic lesions and small nodules bilaterally, with sparing of the costophrenic angles. Lung biopsy through video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery revealed pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis. On a follow-up visit, only 1 year after the patient had quit smoking, clinical and radiological improvement was significant. Here, we report an uncommon case of pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis that simultaneously presented with diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus.

• 대한인간공학회지
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.39-48
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• 2014

Objective: This entire study has two parts. Study I aimed to develop a psychological assessment scale and the study II aimed to investigate the effects of LFN (low frequency noise) on the psychological responses in humans, using the scale developed in the study I. Background: LFN is known to have a negative impact on the functioning of humans. The negative impact of LFN can be categorized into two major areas of functioning of humans, physiological and psychological areas of functioning. The physiological impact can cause abnormalities in threshold, balancing and/or vestibular system, cardiovascular system and, hormone changes. Psychological functioning includes cognition, communication, mental health, and annoyance. Method: 182 college students participated in the study I in development of a psychological assessment scale and 42 paid volunteers participated in the study II to measure psychological responses. The LFN stimuli consisted of 12 different pure tones and 12 different 1 octave-band white noises and each stimulus had 4 different frequencies and 3 different sounds pressure levels. Results: We developed the psychological assessment scale consisting of 17 items with 3 dimensions of psychological responses (i.e., perceived physical, perceived physiological, and emotional responses). The main findings of LFN on the responses were as follows: 1. Perceived psychological responses showed a linear relation with SPL (sound pressure level), that is the higher the SPL is, the higher the negative psychological responses were. 2. Psychological responses showed quadric relations with SPL in general. 3. More negative responses at 31.5Hz LFN than those of 63 and 125Hz were reported, which is deemed to be caused by perceived vibration by 31.5Hz. 'Perceived vibration' at 31.5Hz than those of other frequencies of LFN is deemed to have amplified the negative psychological response. Consequently there found different effects of low frequency noise with different frequencies and intensity (SPL) on multiple psychological responses. Conclusion: Three dimensions of psychological responses drawn in regard to this study differed from others in the frequencies and SLP of LFN. Negative psychological responses are deemed to be differently affected by the frequency, SPL of the LFN and 'feel vibration' induced by the LFN. Application: The psychological scale from our study can be applied in quantitative psychological measurement of LFN at home or industrial environment. In addition, it can also help design systems to block LFN to provide optimal conditions if used the study outcome, .i.e., the relations between physical and psychological responses of LFN.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.218-226
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• 2019

In old age, measures to cope with the natural phenomenon of aging and various diseases of the elderly due to the deterioration of physical function are also a challenge for this society. While interest in systematic health is increasing, it is true that awareness and interest in oral-related diseases is relatively lacking. This study aims to present basic data necessary to improve the quality of life for senior citizens aged 65 or older by improving the oral dryness caused by systemic health. By research method, improve oral dryness caused by whole-body health with the elderly over 65 and promote their oral health, inducing the increase of the salivary flow rate through oral health care education, oral exercise, and salivary gland massage. First, on the DMSQ according to the general characteristics of the elderly, the recognition of the whole body and oral health status, independent sample t-test and One-way ANOVA were conducted. Second, on changes in the salivary flow rate and saliva pH according to the general characteristics of the elderly, recognition of oral and whole-body health status, and whole-body health, paired samples t-test was conducted. Studies have shown that salivary gland flow increased significantly after oral exercise and salivary gland massage, the salivary flow rate significantly increased. In all variables of the recognition of the oral health status, the salivary flow rate increased after oral exercise and salivary gland massage, and in the whole-body health, regardless of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and osteoporosis, the salivary flow rate increased after oral exercise and salivary gland massage, and the salivary flow rate increased after oral exercise and salivary gland massage if the subjects responded that they did not have thyroid abnormality, anemia, abnormalities of breathing, hypotension, gastrointestinal disturbance, or kidney diseases. As a comprehensive analysis of this study, many felt oral dryness when they had a problem with the whole-body health, and many felt oral dryness when they had a problem with oral health cognition. After applying oral exercise and salivary gland massage as intervention methods in the oral health care for the elderly, the salivary flow rate significantly increased, and it is judged that the methods were very effective for controlling oral dryness. Furthermore, it is judged that the factors affecting oral health, whole-body health, and oral dryness would be identified, which would be helpful for the promotion of whole-body health and oral health. It is judged that continuous research would be needed so that measures for the application of the oral care program and system for the elderly would be prepared in the future.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제46권6호
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• pp.667-675
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• 2020

Objectives: Exposure to fine dust (PM10) could contribute to the occurrence of cardiovascular disease or respiratory abnormalities. Since garlic is known to possess an anti-oxidative stress effect, the present study was performed to evaluate the effect of garlic intake on fine dust-mediated pulmonary toxicity. Methods: Rats were intratracheally instilled with fine dust at 15 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day for five days following five-day intragastric intubation of garlic at 0.7 or 1.4 g/kgBW/day, or 13.1 mg/kgBW/day S-allyl-cysteine (SAC) as a reference component in garlic. Blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected. Results: Deposit of fine dust was visually and histopathologically observed in the lungs. Body weight gain during the instillation period was significantly lowered in all the groups instilled with fine dust. Neutrophil numbers in blood were significantly elevated in the fine dust alone group, but this alteration was diminished in the groups administered with garlic. Levels of serum glutathione were lower in the rats instilled with fine dust alone, and this decrease in the glutathione level seems dose-dependently compensated among the groups administered with garlic. Similar findings were observed in the BALF with statistical significance. Typical pulmonary histopathological observation related with inflammation was demonstrated in the lungs of the rats exposed to fine dust alone, whereas such histopathologic findings were not improved in the groups administered with garlic. Conclusion: The present study suggests that garlic intake could alleviate fine dust-mediated pulmonary or systemic toxicities. Further investigation is necessary to delineate the mechanism of garlic-mediated effects on pulmonary function.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• 제12권3호
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• pp.199-217
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• 2023

People with higher genetic predisposition to obesity are more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and healthy plant-based foods may be associated with reduced risks of obesity and other metabolic markers. We investigated whether healthy plant-foods-rich dietary patterns might have inverse associations with cardiometabolic risk factors in participants at genetically elevated risk of obesity. For this cross-sectional study, 377 obese and overweight women were chosen from health centers in Tehran, Iran. We calculated a healthy plant-based diet index (h-PDI) in which healthy plant foods received positive scores, and unhealthy plant and animal foods received reversed scores. A genetic risk score (GRS) was developed based on 3 polymorphisms. The interaction between GRS and h-PDI on cardiometabolic traits was analyzed using a generalized linear model (GLM). We found significant interactions between GRS and h-PDI on body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.02), body fat mass (p = 0.04), and waist circumference (p = 0.056). There were significant gene-diet interactions for healthful plant-derived diets and BMI-GRS on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p = 0.03), aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.04), alanine transaminase (p = 0.05), insulin (p = 0.04), and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (p = 0.002). Adherence to h-PDI was more strongly related to decreased levels of the aforementioned markers among participants in the second or top tertile of GRS than those with low GRS. These results highlight that following a plant-based dietary pattern considering genetics appears to be a protective factor against the risks of cardiometabolic abnormalities.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제52권12호
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• pp.1364-1369
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• 2009

목 적 : 이번 연구에서는 소아기에 흔한 선천성 심장병 환자들을 대상으로 개심술 이후 생긴 반흔과 수술로 인한 용적 또는 압력 과부하 상태의 변화로 초래되는 비정상적인 심실 활성화를 신호 평준화 심전도를 이용하여 분석하고자 하였다. 방 법 : 선천성 심장병으로 개심교정술을 시행한 환자 52명을 대상으로 하였다. 환자군은 우심실 용적 과부하군(심방 중격 결손군, 1군), 좌심실 용적 과부하군(심실 중격 결손군, 2군), 우심실 압력 과부하군(활로씨 4징군, 3군)으로 나누었다. 대상 환자 모두에서 표준 12 유도 심전도와 신호 평준화 심전도 검사를 시행하였고, 평균 QRS 기간, QT와 QTc 간격, f-QRS, HFLA, RMS in terminal 40 ms를 구하였다. 결 과 : 수술 전에는 1군에서 다른 군에 비해 의미 있게 긴 QRS 기간을 보였고(P=0.011), 수술 후에는 3 군에서 다른 군에 비해 QTc 간격이 의미 있는 증가가 있었다(P=0.004). 그러나 신호 평준화 심전도는 수술 전후 환자군 간에 차이가 없었다. 전체 대상 환자 중 신호 평준화 심전도 측정값이 한가지 이상 후전위의 진단 기준에 해당되는 경우가 수술 전 12명(23%)에서 수술 후 21명(40%)로 증가하였다. 특히 2군과 3군에서는 수술 전에 비해 수술 후에 신호 평준화 심전도의 이상 소견을 보이는 경우가 의미있게 많았다(2군: 20% versus 28%, P<0.001, 3군: 14% versus 64%, P<0.001). 결 론 : 비정상적인 신호 평준화 심전도 값은 수술 후 반흔뿐만 아니라 개심술 자체, 심실의 과부하에 의해서도 발생할 수 있다.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• 제1권2호
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• pp.109-116
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• 1997

목적 : 말기 신부전 환자에서 심혈관계 질환은 유병율 및 사망율의 중요한 원인중 하나이다. 이들 환자에서 흔히 동반되는 고지질단백 혈증은 심혈관계 질환의 위험인자로 작용하며, 특히 lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)]는 관상동맥 질환과 혈전증의 위험 인자로 알려져 있다. 소아에서도 만성 신부전시 고지질 혈증이 보고되어 있다. 저자들은 투석 치료중인 만성 신부전 소아를 대상으로 혈중 지질, 지질단백 및 Lp(a)의 농도 변화를 분석하였다. 방법 : 서울대학교 어린이병원 소아과에서 유지 혈액 투석을 받고 있는 환아 10명과 지속성 외래 복막 투석을 받고 있는 환아 14명을 대상으로 정맥 혈청중 지질, 지질단백 및 Lp(a)농도를 측정하여 건강 대조군과 비교하였으며, Lp(a)의 혈중 농도에 따른 다른 지질단백의 혈중 농도를 비교하였다. 혈액투석(hemodialysis, HD)환아군의 평균 연령이 $162{\pm}59$ 개월, 남녀비는 7:3 이었으며 복막투석(peritoneal dialysis, PD)환아군의 평균 연령은 $123{\pm}69$개월, 남녀비는 6:8 이었다. 결과 : 1) 연령, 성별, 비만지수, 투석기간은 HD군과 PD군 간의 차이가 없었으나 혈중 단백과 알부민치는 PD군에서 유의하게 낮았다. 2) HD군과 PD군 모두에서 혈중 콜레스테롤, 중성지방, 저비중 지질단백 콜레스테롤(low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, LDL-콜레스테롤)과 고비중 지질단백 콜레스테롤(high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, HDL-콜레스테롤)의 비는 대조군에 비해 증가되어 있었으며, HDL-콜레스테롤과 콜레스테롤의 비는 대조군에 비해 유의하게 낮았다. 3) 혈중 아포단백 B치는 대조군에 비해 상승되어 있었지만 아포단백 Al과 아포단백 B의 비는 차이가 없었고, 혈중 Lp(a)치는 PD군에서만 대조군보다 상승되어 있었다. 4) 혈중 Lp(a)치가 30 mg/dl 미만인 환아는 13명, 30 mg/dl 이상인 환아는 11명으로 이들 간에 연령, 비만지수, 투석방법, 투석기간은 차이가 없었으나 혈중 알부민은 Lp(a)가 상승된 환아들에서 감소되어 있었다. 5) 혈중 Lp(a)농도와 다른 지질 단백과의 비교에서 아포 단백 B만이 유의한 차이를 보였다. 결론 : 투석 치료중인 만성 신부전 소아에서 혈중 지질단백 이상이 관찰되었으며 특히 PD군에서는 혈중 Lp(a)치가 증가되어 있었다. 따라서 만성 신부전 소아에서 관상 동맥 질환의 위험도가 높을 것으로 사료되며 이에 대한 장기적이고 지속적인 관찰이 필요하다.

• 수면정신생리
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• 제3권1호
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• pp.85-95
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• 1996

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome(OSAS) in childhood is unique and different n-om that in adulthood in several aspects, including pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnostic criteria, complications, management, and prognosis. Characteristic features of childhood OSAS in comparison with the adult form are the variety of severe complications such as developmental delay, more prominent behavioral and cognitive impairments, vivid cardiovascular symptoms, and increased death risk, warranting a special attention to the possible diagnosis of OSAS in children who snore. However, the childhood OSAS is often neglected and unrecognized. We, therefore, report a case of very severe OSAS in a 5-year-old boy who was sucessfully treated with continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP) treatment. Interestingly, the patient was comor-bid with the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Prior to the initial visit to us, adenotonsillectomy had been done at the age of 4 with no significant improvement of apneic symptoms and heavy snoring. On the initial diagnostic procedures, marked degree of snoring was audible even in the daytime wake state and the patient was observed to be very hyperactive. Increased pulmonary vascularity with borderline cardiomegaly was noted on chest X-ray. The baseline polysomnography revealed that the patient was very sleep-apneic and snored very heavily, with the respiratory disturbance index(RDI) of 46.9 per hour of sleep, the mean SaO2 of 78.8%, and the lowest SaO2 of 40.0%(the lowest detectable oxygen level by the applied oxymeter). The second night polysomnography was done for CPAP titration and the optimal pressure turned out to be $8.0\;cmH_2O$. The applied CPAP treatment was well tolerated by the patient and was found to be very effective in alleviating heavy snoring and severe repetitive sleep apneas. After 18 months of the CPAP treatment, the patient was followed up with nocturnal polysomnography(baseline and CPAP nights) and clinical examination. Sleep apneas were still present without CPAP on the baseline night. However, the severity of OSAS was significantly decreased(RDI of 15.7, mean SaO2 of 96.2%, and the lowest SaO2 of 83.0%), compared to the initial polysomnographic findings before initiation of long-term CPAP treatment. Wechsler intelligence tests done before and after the CPAP treatment were compared with each other and surprising improvement of intelligence(total 9 points, performance 16 points) was noted. Clinically he was found to be markedly improved in his attention deficit hyperactive behavior after CPAP treatment, but with minimal change of TOVA(test of variables of attention) scores except conversion of reaction time score into normal range. On the chest X-ray taken after 18 months of CPAP application, the initial cardiopulmonary abnormalities were not found at all. We found that the CPAP treatment in a young child is very effective, safe, and well-tolerated and also improves the co-morbid attention deficit hyperactive symptoms. Overall, the growth and development of the child has been facilitated with the long-term use of CPAP. Cardiovascular complications induced by OSAS have been also normalized with CPAP treatment. We suggest that early diagnosis and active treatment intervention of OSAS in children are crucial in preventing and ameliorating possible serious complications caused by repetitive sleep apneas and consequent hypoxic damage during sleep.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제31권6호
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• pp.603-608
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• 2021

본 연구는 COVID-19과 COVID-19 변이 바이러스 시기에 vaccination을 통한 집단면역달성을 목표로 하고 있지만, 백신의 종류에 따라서 다양한 부작용도 발생을 하여, 백신 이외에 평소 규칙적인 운동을 통한 백신 효과의 조그만 근거를 마련하고자 수행하게 되었다. 이러한 연구 연구목적을 달성하기 위해 본론에서는 COVID-19 vaccine의 이슈, COVID-19 블루, COVID-19과 스포츠이벤트, 및 COVID-19과 운동중재에 관해 분석하였다. 본 연구결과 COVID-19은 혈관을 우선적으로 공격하고 혈관 내막에 침투해 혈액순환을 방해하는 바이러스로 알려져 있다. 그리고 이어서 폐, 심장, 뇌 등을 공격한다. 심혈관 질환이 있는 환자들은 몸에서 바이러스를 몰아내는 능력이 떨어져 있는 이유로 이러한 바이러스의 공격대상이 될 수 있다. 혈관은 적혈구와 영양소만 이동하는 곳이 아니라 백혈구와 림프구들도 이동하므로 평소 불포화 지방산, 저탄수화물 식이요법을 포함하는 건강한 식이 습관, 금연, 일상생활도의 증가 및 규칙적인 운동 습관의 중요성이 중요하게 고려되어 진다. 이러한 관점에서 평소 혈관의 건강은 매우 중요하게 작용하고 이는 규칙적인 운동을 통하여 얻을 수 있는 것이다. 규칙적인 운동은 면역세포들, 면역글로불린, 다양한 사이토카인들의 순환을 돕고 특히, 폐로의 순환을 도와 염증인자들을 감소시키는 역할을 수행하고 병원균의 유입을 막아주는 역할을 한다. 특히, 혈관 내막에 침투해 혈액순환을 방해하는 것으로 알려져 있으며 폐, 심장, 뇌 등을 공격하는 COVID-19의 특성을 고려할 때 운동을 통한 건강관리는 바이러스 예방에 필수적이라고 할 수 있다. 현재 다양하고도 많은 백신의 사용은 팬데믹 시기에서 매우 희망적이지만 아나플락시스나 혈전 색전증 등의 다양한 부작용도 초래하므로 규칙적인 운동중재는 백신의 도움없이 세균이나 바이러스로부터 나를 지키는 면역력을 잘 유지하게 하는 것이 규칙적인 운동이 되는 것이다. 추후 이러한 분야에 관한 심도 있는 연구들이 수행되어져야 할 것으로 여겨진다.