• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.117-122
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• 2011

Purpose: Natural history and consequences of the novel 2009 influenza A H1N1(2009 H1N1) infection in immunocompromised pediatric patients are not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigated the clinical features and outcomes of the 2009 H1N1 infection in pediatric patients with hematological and oncological diseases. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 528 patients who had hematological and oncological diseases and who were treated at 7 referral centers located in the Yeungnam region. Among the 528 patients, 27 with definite diagnosis of 2009 H1N1 infection were the subjects of this study. All patients were divided into the following 3 groups: patients who were receiving chemotherapy (group 1), patients who were immunosuppressed due to a nonmalignant hematological disease (group 2), and patients who were off chemotherapy and had undergone their last chemotherapy course within 2 years from the influenza A pandemic (group 3). Results: All 28 episodes of 2009 H1N1 infection were treated with the antiviral agent oseltamivir ($Tamiflu^{(R)}$), and 20 episodes were treated after hospitalization. Group 1 patients had higher frequencies of lower respiratory tract infection and longer durations of fever and hospitalization as compared to those in group 2. Ultimately, all episodes resolved completely with no complications. Conclusion: These results suggest that early antiviral therapy did not influence the morbidity or mortality of pediatric patients with hematological and oncological diseases in the Yeungnam region of Korea after the 2009 H1N1 infection. However, no definite conclusions can be drawn because of the small sample size.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.567-572
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Anti-Thrombotic Activities and Cardiovascular Improvement of Fermented Garlic Extracts. The incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is increasing rapidly in developed countries, with CVDs now representing the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Natural products and ethnomedicines have been shown to reduce the risk of CVDs. Garlic is a medicinal plant used throughout the world for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiplatelet activities. We hypothesized that fermented preparations of these products may possess stronger antiplatelet effects than the non-fermented forms owing to the increased bioavailability of the bioactive compounds produced during fermentation. Therefore, we compared these compounds via in vitro and ex vivo platelet aggregation assays by using standard light transmission aggregometry and ex vivo granule secretions from rat platelets. We found that fermented preparations exerted more potent and significant inhibition of platelet aggregation both in vitro and ex vivo. Likewise, ATP release from dense granules of platelets was also significantly inhibited in fermented preparation-treated rat platelets compared to that in non-fermented preparation-treated ones. We concluded that fermented preparations exerted more potent effects on platelet function both in vitro and ex vivo, possibly as a result of the increased bioavailability of active compounds produced during fermentation. We therefore suggest that fermented products may be potent therapeutics against platelet-related CVDs and can be used as antiplatelet and antithrombotic agents.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.40
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• pp.16.1-16.5
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• 2018

Background: Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is an oral potentially malignant disorder, characterized by multifocal expression, progressive clinical evolution, and a high rate of malignant transformation. Evidence-based information regarding optimal PVL management is lacking, due to the paucity of data. The present report describes a case of PVL associated with HPV-16 infection and epithelial dysplasia treated by diode laser surgery, and the outcome of disease clinical remission over a 2-year follow-up period. Case report: A 61-year-old Caucasian male with oral verrucous hyperkeratosis presented for diagnosis. The lesions were localized on the maxillary gingiva and palatal alveolar ridge. Multiple biopsy specimens have been taken by mapping the keratotic lesion area. Microscopic examination was compatible with a diagnosis of PVL with focal mild dysplasia, localized in the right maxillary gingiva. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done for human papillomavirus (HPV) detection which revealed presence of HPV DNA, and the genotype revealed HPV 16 in the sample. The PVL in the right gingival area was treated on an outpatient basis by excision with a diode laser. This approach resulted in good clinical response and decreased morbidity over a 2-year follow-up period. Conclusions: This case illustrates the benefit of a conservative approach by diode laser treatment than wide surgical excision for management of the PVL lesions associated with mild dysplasia and HPV-16 infection.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.29-38
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• 2002

Hypertension is an important public health problem because it increases the risk of stroke, angina, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and end-stage renal disease. If it is not actively treated, morbidity and mortality increase with hypertension-induced complications and quality of life decreases. This study was to evaluate the use of antihypertensive drugs and blood pressure changes and to compare algorithms chosen (or the 1st and 2nd line therapy of hypertension based on the JNC VI recommendations. The medical charts of 222 patients with essential hypertension at St. Vincent's Hospital in Suwon from January 1997 to January 2000 were reviewed retrospectively. Data collection and analysis included baseline BP underlying diseases and complications, administered antihypertensives, BP changes, changes of antihypertensive regimen, and adverse effects with treatments. As results, the higher BP the patients had, the more frequent they had target organ damages and clinical cardiovascular diseases. Mean duration to reduce blood pressure less than 140/90 mmHg was 8 weeks in $85.3\%$ of the patients. The rate of control in BP was $82.4\%$ at 6 months. The major antihypertensive drugs prescribed were calcium channel blockers $(61.8\%)$ , ACE inhibitors $(19.1\%),\;\beta-blockers\;(13.7\%)$ and diuretics $(5.3\%)$ as the 1st-line monotherapy. The methods of treatment used as the 1st-line therapy were monotherapy$(59\%)$ and combination therapy $(41\%)$. Blood pressure change was significantly greater for combination therapy than monotherapy$(-26.2\pm21.4\;vs.\;-18.56\pm16.7$ mmHg for systolic blood pressure; P<0.003, $-16.9\pm13.2\;vs.\;-9.2\pm12.8$ mmHg for diastolic blood pressure; p<0.001). When blood pressure was not completely controlled with the first antihypertensive selected, the 2nd line therapy had 4 options: addition of 2nd agent from different class; $66.2\%$, substitution with another drug, $21.9\%$ increase dose $11.9\%$ continue first regimen $27.9\%$ Calcium channel blockers were the most frequently prescribed agents. This was not comparable to the JNC VI guideline which recommended diuretics and $\beta-blockers$ for the 1st-line therapy. Most of patients achieved the goal BP and maintained it until 6 months, but the remaining patients should be controlled more tightly to improve their BP with combination of life style modification, patient education, and pharmacotherapy.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.255-261
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• 2014

Background: To determine the predictors of clinical outcomes following surgical descending thoracic aortic (DTA) repair. Methods: We identified 103 patients (23 females; mean age, $64.1{\pm}12.3$ years) who underwent DTA replacement from 1999 to 2011 using either deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (44%) or partial cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB, 56%). Results: The early mortality rate was 4.9% (n=5). Early major complications occurred in 21 patients (20.3%), which included newly required hemodialysis (9.7%), low cardiac output syndrome (6.8%), pneumonia (7.8%), stroke (6.8%), and multi-organ failure (3.9%). None experienced paraplegia. During a median follow-up of 56.3 months (inter-quartile range, 23.1 to 85.1 months), there were 17 late deaths and one aortic reoperation. Overall survival at 5 and 10 years was $80.9%{\pm}4.3%$ and $71.7%{\pm}5.9%$, respectively. Reoperation-free survival at 5 and 10 years was $77.3%{\pm}4.8%$ and $70.2%{\pm}5.8%$. Multivariable analysis revealed that age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 to 1.15; p<0.001) and left ventricle (LV) function (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82 to 0.96; p<0.003) were significant and independent predictors of long-term mortality. CPB strategy, however, was not significantly related to mortality (p=0.49). Conclusion: Surgical DTA repair was practicable in terms of acceptable perioperative mortality/morbidity as well as favorable long-term survival. Age and LV function were risk factors for long-term mortality, irrespective of the CPB strategy.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.9-15
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• 2003

Purpose: To introduce our early experience with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods and Materials: Eight patients who underwent IMRT for no disseminated nasopharyngeal carcinoma at the Asan Medical Center between September 2001 and November 2002 were evaluate by prospective analysis. According to the 1997 American Joint Committee on Cancer staging classification, 5 had Stage III, and 3 had Stage IVB disease. The IMRT plans were designed to be delivered as a 'Simultaneous Modulated Accelerated Radiation Therapy' (SMART) using the 'step and shoot' technique with a MLC (multileaf collimator). Daily fractions of 2.2-2.5Gy and 1.9-2Gy were prescribed and delivered to the GTV and CTV and clinically negative neck node, respectively. The prescribed dose was 70A-79.0Gy to the gross tumor volume (GTV), 60Gy to the clinical target volume (CTV) and metastatic nodal station, and 46Gy to the clinically negative neck. All patients also received weekly cisplatin during radiotherapy. Acute and late normal tissue effects were graded according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) radiation morbidity scoring criteria. Results: Follow-up period was ranging from 5 to 18 months. All patients showed complete response and loco-regional control rate was 100% but one patient died of malnutrition due to treatment related toxicity. There were no Grade 3 or 4 xerostomia and all patients had experienced improvement of salivary gland function. Conclusion: 'Simultaneous Modulated Accelerated Radiation Therapy' (SMART) boost intensity-modulated radiotherapy technique allows parotid sparing as evidenced both clinically and by dosimetry. Initial tumor response and loco-regional control was promising. It is clinically feasible. A larger population of patients and a long-term follow-up are needed to evaluate ultimate tumor control and late toxicity.

• The Journal of Traditional Korean Medicine
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.128-144
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• 2006

This Study aims at looking into the use of oriental medical services in treating hypertension. The first objective to be explored through this study is the morbidity caused by the disease, classifying them by age, gender, and occupation. The second is to determine the regular use of anti-hypertensive medicine and their efficacy in controlling blood-pressure. The third is to investigate the use-rate and satisfaction of oriental medical service. 838 households across the country, were asked to answer questionnaires for the period of time from Apr. to Jun. 2005. The conclusion from the survey can be summarized as following. The age of which the first medical diagnosis of hypertension were made showed lower in males, those with higher education and income. The study showed females were more active in blood-pressure control, with their frequent monitoring of blood-pressure for the past year. With age, people in under 50 age group proved to be less active. The management of high blood pressure was more effective in group with regular dosage compared to group with irregular use of anti-hypertensive medication, but their difference was minimal. Also, group with no medication showed signs of blood-pressure control. The use of oriental medical service for the past year, were more frequent in groups with lower education, either low or high income, old age, females and occupations in agriculture, forestry and fishing industry. Results were similar in both general population and high blood-pressure patient group. Females, people over 51 years old and with lower education showed more intentions in utilizing oriental medical services in the future. Results were similar in both general population and high blood-pressure patient group. It is necessary to offer a more accurate information on oriental medical treatments. Also, a systematic reform to reduce the patient's share of the treatment cost, as well as, heightening public awareness on the infirmity of present blood-pressure management system is crucial.

• Journal of Breast Cancer
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.433-4341
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• 2018

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) on recurrence and survival after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer patients with cytology-proven axillary node metastasis. Methods: We selected patients who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and axillary lymph node metastasis and were treated with NAC followed by curative surgery between January 2007 and December 2014. We classified patients into three groups: group A, negative sentinel lymph node (SLN) status and no further dissection; group B, negative SLN status with backup axillary lymph node dissection (ALND); and group C, no residual axillary metastasis on pathology with standard ALND. Results: The median follow-up time was 51 months (range, 3-122 months) and the median number of retrieved SLNs was 5 (range, 2-9). The SLN identification rate was 98.3% (234/238 patients), and the false negative rate of SLNB after NAC was 7.5%. There was no significant difference in axillary recurrence-free survival (p=0.118), disease-free survival (DFS; p=0.578) or overall survival (OS; p=0.149) among groups A, B, and C. In the subgroup analysis of breast pathologic complete response (pCR) status, there was no significant difference in DFS (p=0.271, p=0.892) or OS (p=0.207, p=0.300) in the breast pCR and non-pCR patients. Conclusion: These results suggest that SLNB can be feasible and oncologically safe after NAC for cytology-determined axillary node metastasis patients and could help reduce arm morbidity and lymphedema by avoiding ALND in SLN-negative patients.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.136-141
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• 2021

Background: Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI), which increases the risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality, poses a major concern to surgeons. We conducted this study to analyze the risk factors associated with the occurrence of AKI after orthopedic surgery. Methods: This was a retrospective study that included 351 patients who underwent total hip or knee replacement surgery at Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital between January 2012 and December 2016. Results: AKI occurred in 13 (3.7%) of the 351 patients. The patients' preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 66.66 ±34.02 mL/min/1.73 m² in the AKI group and 78.07±21.23 mL/min/1.73 m² in the non-AKI group. The hemoglobin levels were 11.21±1.65 g/dL in the AKI group and 12.39±1.52 g/dL in the non-AKI group. Hemoglobin level was related to increased risk of AKI (odds ratio [OR], 0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02-0.68; p=0.016). Administration of crystalloid or colloid fluid alone and the perioperative amount of fluid did not show any significant relationship with AKI. Further analysis of the changes in eGFR was performed using a cutoff value of 7.54. The changes in eGFR were significantly related to decreased risk of AKI (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.61-0.89; p=0.002). Conclusion: Renal function should be monitored closely after orthopedic surgery if patients have chronic kidney disease and low hemoglobin level. Predicting the likelihood of AKI occurrence, early treatment of high-risk patients, and monitoring perioperative laboratory test results, including eGFR, will help improve patient prognosis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.89-96
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• 2022

Background and Objectives The quality of life after thyroidectomy, such as voice change, is considered to be as important as control of the disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate changes in both subjective and objective voice parameters after thyroidectomy resulting in normal morbidity of the vocal cords. Materials and Method In this prospective cohort study, 204 patients who underwent thyroidectomy with or without central neck dissection at a single referral center from Feb 2015 to Aug 2016 were enrolled. All patients underwent prospective voice evaluations including both subjective and objective assessments preoperatively and then at 2 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Temporal changes of the voice parameters were analyzed. Results Values of the subjective assessment tool worsened during the early postoperative follow-up period and did not recover to the preoperative values at 12 months postoperatively. The maximal phonation time gradually decreased, whereas most objective parameters, including maximal vocal pitch (MVP), reached preoperative values at 3-6 months postoperatively. The initial decrease in MVP was significantly greater in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy, and their MVP recovery time was faster than that of patients undergoing lobectomy (p=0.001). Patients whose external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve was confirmed intact by electroidentification showed no difference in recovery speed compared with patients without electroindentification (p=0.102), although the initial decrease in MVP was lower with electroidentification. Conclusion Subjective assessment in voice quality and maximal phonation time after thyroidectomy did not show recovery to preoperative values. Aggravation of MVP was associated with surgical extent and electroidentification.