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A Study on Comparison of Changes in Ecological Characteristics for Bulgwangcheon(stream) Close-to Nature Section (불광천 자연형 하천 정비구간의 생태적 특성 변화 비교 연구)

  • Park, Won-Zei;Lee, Kyong-Jae;Han, Bong-Ho;Jang, Jae-Hoon
    • Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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    • v.40 no.2
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    • pp.112-129
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    • 2012
  • The aim of this study was to provide basic data in managing the project that was carried out on Bulgwangcheon in a nature-friendly way to improve the conditions around the areas, which was brought to completion in 2002, based on changes in ecological characteristics. For this propose, this study examined documents related to the project, compared physical and enviromnental changes before and after the project was conducted and analyzed changes in the stream ecosystem. The result showed that in areas that effluent water was often observed, especially when it rained, the river wall was washed away and vegetation was found damaged. As for actual vegetation, this study compared planting coverage of each section of the research area and actual vegetation charts. The results indicated that Lespedeza spp., Aster koraiensis among mixed seeds that were planted in the reservoir path were almost swept away while Festuca arundinacea dominated the areas. Phragmites communis, Miscanthus sacchariflorns and Salix gracilistyla which had been planted in a small number were also almost washed out though a small number of them were left to form a colony. After examining the topography and structure of the plant community, this study found that areas where mixed seed were planted had changed into two types of vegetation: First type of area is dominated by P and R which are usually raised in apron with abundant floating particles. The second type of area is dominated by dry gramineous plant such as F and A. Areas around low flow channel where Phragmites communis, Miscanthus sacchariflorus and Salix gracilistyla planting construction method is applied was washed away with the width of low flow channel reduced. Though P, M and S formed a small community in some areas around the low flow area, they were in small number and in composition of simple plant species. Two ways were suggested in this study to manage the stream in an ecological way. First, adequate revetment construction methods should be applied by monitoring the flow of the stream as well as considering the flood control of urban streams. Second, target vegetation communities that are suitable for the environment of the stream should be chosen and be plantedconstantly with high density. At the same time, ornamental native plants shouldn't be planted as they have been and disturbing vegetation should be removed.

Influences of Rate of Artificial Insemination Following Estrus Induction in Dog (개에서 발정유도가 인공수정효율에 미치는 영향)

  • 이영락;강태영;최상용
    • Journal of Embryo Transfer
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    • v.18 no.1
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    • pp.61-68
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    • 2003
  • Considerable attention has been focused on the cryopreservation of semen and estrus induction in dog, as consequence of poor productivity caused by long anestrus period, in order to enhance the productivity of youngs and to preserve the breeds. The objectives of this study were to improve reproductive efficiency of artificial insemination with fresh- and frozen-semen following estrus induction in dog. Fifty infertilie dogs (age 2~3 years) were selected fur the study and divided into three different estrus induction treatment groups. Group 1 : dogs (n=15) were given clomifene (0.1 mg/kg) orally f3r five days at 12 hr intervals. Croup 2: dogs (n=15) were given bromocriptine (50 $\mu$g/kg) orally for five days at 12 hr intervals, followed by single injection intravenously of 500 IU GnRH (Croup 3, n=20) when pro-estrus occurred. After being treated, the dogs were evaluated fur the rates of estrus induction and time interval lapses from treatment to beginning of the pro-estrus. The rates of pregnancy in estrus inducted dogs mated naturally compared to those inseminated artificially with ejaculated fresh semen and frozen-thawed semen. Estrus detection was performed using the method of vaginal smear and confirmed by the plasma progesterone assay. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonograpy on day 25, 35 and 55 post insemination. The ejaculated semen was exposed to a mixture of Tris extender with cryoprotectant (Trisma, 81 mM; TES, 209 mM; citric acid, 6 mM; glucose, 5 mM; glycerol, 8%) and cryopreserved gradually by slow-cooling at 17 co above the surface of liquid nitrogen (L$N_2$) for 23 min. The use of fresh semen, the pregnancy rates were observed 66.6, 66.6, 75.0 and 83.3% in natural estrus, clomifene induced, bromocriptine induced and a combination of GnRH and bromocriptine, respectively. The use of frozen-thawed semen, the pregnancy rates were observed 66.6, 33.3, 50.0 and 60.0% in natural estrus, clomifene induced, bromocriptine induced and a combination of GnRH and bromocriptine, respectively. No difference was observed in the number of offspring produced among natural estrus and treated groups inseminated with fresh or frozen-thawed semen. In conclusion, there was no significant differences in the pregnancy rate of dogs between group treated with a combination of GnRH and bromocriptine and group treated clomifene or bromocriptine only. However, frozen-thawed semen can be used successfully fur artificial insemination in dog.

Midterm Results of Mitral Valve Repair by the New Chordae Formation Technique (승모판막 폐쇄부전증에서 신건삭 형성술을 이용한 판막 성형술의 임상분석)

  • Lee, Jae-Won;Lim, Han-Jung;Jung, Sung-Ho;Kim, Kun-Il;Choo, Suk-Jung;Song, Hyun;Song, Meung-Gun
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
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    • v.34 no.4
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    • pp.329-337
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    • 2001
  • 배경: 승포판 전엽이나 교련 또는 여러 판엽에 걸쳐 광범위한 병변으로 인한 승모판 역류의 경우 수술수기에 대한 뚜렷한 정립이 되어 있지 않은 실정이다. 최근 이러한 병변의 승모판 역류의 경우 PTEE(Polytetrafluro-ethylene)을 이용한 신건삭 형성술의 시행이 점차 늘고 있다. 이에 저자들은 PTEE를 이용한 신건삭 형성술이 승모판 성형술에 어떠한 영향을 미치는지 알아보고자 하였다. 대상 및 방법: 1994년 1월부터 1999년 12월까지 승모판막 성형술을 시행 받은 322명의 환자 중에서 신건삭 형성술을 이용하여 승모판 성형술을 시행한 144례(I군)과 신건삭 형성술 이외의 방법으로 승모판 성형술을 시행한 178례(II군)를 대상으로 하였다. 두 군에서 수술 직후ㅘ 수술 후 6개월, 1년 및 1년 단위로 주기적인 심초음파를 시행하였고 이를 통계적 검정하였다. 결과: 같은 기간 승모판 성형술은 승모판막 폐쇄 부전증으로 내원한 환자의 95%(306)에서 추적 관찰이 가능하였다. 두 구난에 수술 전 혈류 역학적인 차이를 보이지 않았고, 수술 전 평균 승모판막 폐쇄 부전의 정도는 I군이 3.8$\pm$0.4, II군이 3.6$\pm$0.3였으나 수술 후 추적 관찰에서 각각 1.3$\pm$0.9와 1.1$\pm$0.7 정도의 양호한 판막 성형술의 결과를 보였고 승모판막 면적의변화나 승모판막에서의 평균 압력차이 등 혈류 역학적인 결과에도 차이를 보이고 있지 않았다. 술 후 3명(0.9%)의 조기 사망과 4명 (1.2%)의 후기 사망이 있었으나 두 군간의 차이는 보이지 않았다. 만기 생존율( 93.7$\pm$3.3 vs 88.0$\pm$1.95) 및 판막살패가 발생하기 않을 확률( 93.7$\pm$3.6 vs 93.3$\pm$3.4%) 과 재수술이 필요치 않을 활률(99.3$\pm$0.7 vs 96.0$\pm$1.9%), 색전증, 감염성 심내막염, 판막과 관련된 합병증 발생률 등에서 두 군간에 의미 있는 차이는 없었다. 전엽과 후엽에서 신건삭 형성술을 시행한 환자에서는 통계학적인 차이가 없었다(p=0.29) 결론: 신건삭 형성술을 이용한 승모판 성형술은 승모판 성형술의 증가(r=0.98, p<0.01)를 가져 왔을 뿐만 아니라 내구성과 안정성에 있어 기존의 안전화된 수술 수기와 견줄만하다. 특히 이러한 신건삭 형성술은 승모판 전엽에 병변이 있는 경우와 교련부 및 여러 엽에 광범위한 병변으로 인하여 재건술이 어려운 경우에도 승모판 재건을 가능하게 하는 우수한 수술 수리가 사료된다.

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Evaluation of Physical Properties of Nanoemulsion Ampoule as Customized Cosmetic Bases and Evaluation of Satisfaction According to Skin Type (맞춤형화장품 베이스로서 나노에멀젼 앰플의 물성 평가 및 피부타입에 따른 만족도 평가)

  • Se-Yeon, Kim;Hyung Guen, An;Ja Young, Kim;Kyung-Sup, Yoon
    • Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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    • v.48 no.4
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    • pp.343-355
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    • 2022
  • Customized cosmetics are continuously mentioned as cosmetics in response to changes in the social environment and trends that emphasize individuality. Therefore, in this study, four types of nanoemulsion ampoules corresponding to skin types were prepared by different ratios of nanoemulsion formulation and ampoule formulation, and the applicability as a customized cosmetic base was checked. Particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and viscosity according to time for 90 d were measured for four nanoemulsion ampoules with different volatile residues, and turbiscan was measured as a method for evaluating the stability of a colloidal dispersion system. Finally, human usability satisfaction was evaluated. As a result, it was confirmed that four kinds of nanoemulsion ampoules had a higher amount of volatile residue in the dry skin test product than in the oily skin test product. The pH was in the range of 6.41 to 6.88, and the particle size was in the range of 170 to 174 nm, and the change after 90 d was within 1.2% of the maximum, and there was no specificity in particle size stability. It was confirmed that the polydispersity index was almost constant, and showed a particle size distribution close to monodispersity by showing a change within a value smaller than 0.21 in all test products. The zeta potential was initially -63 mV or more for all four types of test products, and although it showed a slight decrease with time, there was little change to the extent of a maximum decrease of 2.5%. Viscosity was initially in the range of 4,100 to 5,100 cps and showed a decreasing trend with time, showing a maximum decrease of 37.7%. In the turbiscan measurement, the turbiscan stability index, a measure of stability, was all below 1.0, indicating dispersion stability. In the usability satisfaction evaluation (6 points) of 4 nanoemulsion ampoules corresponding to skin type, oily skin product (5.42 ± 0.67 points) > neutral oily skin product (5.36 ± 0.67 points) > neutral dry skin product (5.15 ± 0.69 point) > dry skin product (4.75 ± 0.75 points) in the order of evaluation. Four types of nanoemulsion ampoules are physically stable and have confirmed their applicability as a customized cosmetic base according to skin type, and are expected to expand in various ways.

Ecological health assessment of Yangjaecheon and Yeouicheon using biotic index and water quality (생물지수와 수질을 이용한 양재천과 여의천의 생태건강성평가)

  • Jin Hyo Lee;Hyeon Han;Jun Yeon Lee;Young Seop Cha;Seog Ju Cho
    • Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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    • v.40 no.2
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    • pp.172-186
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    • 2022
  • Benthic macroinvertebrates are important ecological and environmental indicators as primary or secondary consumers, and therefore are widely used in the evaluation of aquatic environments. However, there are no comprehensive river ecosystem monitoring surveys that link the major physicochemical water quality items with benthic macroinvertebrates in urban streams. Therefore, this study investigated the distribution characteristics of benthic macroinvertebrates and physicochemical water quality items (17 items) in Yangjaecheon and Yeouicheon from 2019 to 2020. At the same time, by applying Spearman's rank correlation analysis and nonmetric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) analysis in the water quality data and biotic index, we tried to provide basic data for diagnosing the current status of river ecosystems in major urban rivers in Seoul. Based on the study results, a total of 39 species and 3,787 individuals were identified in Yangjaecheon, the water quality(based on BOD, TOC, and TP) of Yangjaecheon was higher than Grade Ib(good), and the BMI using benthic macroinvertebrates appeared as Grade C(normal) at all the sites. In Yeouicheon, a total of 51 species and 4,199 individuals were identified, the water quality(based on BOD, TOC, TP) was higher than Grade Ib(good) similar to Yangjaecheon, and the BMI of both Upstream and Saewon bridge was Grade B(good), while Yeoui bridge was Grade C(normal). Overall, analysis results for the distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates by a nonmetric multidimensional scaling method showed no significant difference between the two streams (p=0.1491). Also, significant environmental variables related to benthic macroinvertebrates distribution were determined as water temperature and DO. On the other hand, the results of the correlation analysis between biotic index and major water quality items confirmed that R1 and BMI could be used for on-site urban river water quality evaluation.

Decrease of the Activation and Carbamylation of Rubisco by High CO2 in Kidney Bean (KidneyBean에서의 고 CO2 농도에 의한 Rubisco의 Activation과 Carbamylation의 감소)

  • 노광수;김재기
    • KSBB Journal
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    • v.11 no.3
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    • pp.295-302
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    • 1996
  • The measurements of rubisco parameters are important in photosynthetic studies. In this experiment, we used photometric assay method to detect these major parameters, such as activity, carbamylation and amount of rubisco. The main advantages of this method are very simple and as sensitive as conventional methods which usually produce radioactive waste. In this study, with kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgatis L.) leaves grown at normal $CO_2$ (350ppm) and high $CO_2$ (650 ppm), we investigated the effect of $CO_2$ concentration on activation and carbamylation of rubisco by measuring the rubisco activity, carbamylation rate and amount of rubisco using a dual beam (334nm and 405nm) spectrophotometer, and analyzed the polypeptide profiles of rubisco by SDS-PAGE. When $CO_2$ concentration was raised from 350ppm to 650ppm, all parameters of rubisco were decreased : $41.2{\mu}M/m^2/s and 52.2{\mu}M/m^2/s$ to $27.4{\mu}M/m^2/s and 46.1{\mu}M/m^2/s$ for initial and total rubisco activity, respectively ; from 79% to 58.9% for carbamylation rate ; from $1.94 {\mu}M/m^2$ to 1.58{\mu}M/m^2$ for amount of rubisco. These results suggests that the decrease in rubisco activity at high $CO_2$ was caused by carbamylation. The analysis of the preparation by SDS-PAGE showed two major polypeptides at 50 and 14.5 kD which were identified as the large and the small subunits of rubisco. There were no differences in the intensity compared high $CO_2$ to normal $CO_2$ in both 50 kD and 14.5 kD bands. We also found that these inhibitory effects of $CO_2$ were reversible. When high $CO_2$ was switched to normal $CO_2$, the parameters of rubisco changed were almost the same as normal rubisco parameters. These data provide an evidence that activity of rubisco was recovered by $CO_2$ concentration of 350 ppm.

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Development of Korean Green Business/IT Strategies Based on Priority Analysis (한국의 그린 비즈니스/IT 실태분석을 통한 추진전략 우선순위 도출에 관한 연구)

  • Kim, Jae-Kyeong;Choi, Ju-Choel;Choi, Il-Young
    • Asia pacific journal of information systems
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    • v.20 no.3
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    • pp.191-204
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    • 2010
  • Recently, the CO2 emission and energy consumption have become critical global issues to decide the future of nations. Especially, the spread of IT products and the increased use of internet and web applications result in the energy consumption and CO2 emission of IT industry though information technologies drive global economic growth. EU, the United States, Japan and other developed countries are using IT related environmental regulations such as WEEE(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), RoHS(Restriction of the use of Certain Hazardous Substance), REACH(Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of CHemicals) and EuP(Energy using Product), and have established systematic green business/IT strategies to enhance the competitiveness of IT industry. For example, the Japan government proposed the "Green IT initiative" for being compatible with economic growth and environmental protection. Not only energy saving technologies but energy saving systems have been developed for accomplishing sustainable development. Korea's CO2 emission and energy consumption continuously have grown at comparatively high rates. They are related to its industrial structure depending on high energy-consuming industries such as iron and steel Industry, automotive industry, shipbuilding industry, semiconductor industry, and so on. In particular, export proportion of IT manufacturing is quite high in Korea. For example, the global market share of the semiconductor such as DRAM was about 80% in 2008. Accordingly, Korea needs to establish a systematic strategy to respond to the global environmental regulations and to maintain competitiveness in the IT industry. However, green competitiveness of Korea ranked 11th among 15 major countries and R&D budget for green technology is not large enough to develop energy-saving technologies for infrastructure and value chain of low-carbon society though that grows at high rates. Moreover, there are no concrete action plans in Korea. This research aims to deduce the priorities of the Korean green business/IT strategies to use multi attribute weighted average method. We selected a panel of 19 experts who work at the green business related firms such as HP, IBM, Fujitsu and so on, and selected six assessment indices such as the urgency of the technology development, the technology gap between Korea and the developed countries, the effect of import substitution, the spillover effect of technology, the market growth, and the export potential of the package or stand-alone products by existing literature review. We submitted questionnaires at approximately weekly intervals to them for priorities of the green business/IT strategies. The strategies broadly classify as follows. The first strategy which consists of the green business/IT policy and standardization, process and performance management and IT industry and legislative alignment relates to government's role in the green economy. The second strategy relates to IT to support environment sustainability such as the travel and ways of working management, printer output and recycling, intelligent building, printer rationalization and collaboration and connectivity. The last strategy relates to green IT systems, services and usage such as the data center consolidation and energy management, hardware recycle decommission, server and storage virtualization, device power management, and service supplier management. All the questionnaires were assessed via a five-point Likert scale ranging from "very little" to "very large." Our findings show that the IT to support environment sustainability is prior to the other strategies. In detail, the green business /IT policy and standardization is the most important in the government's role. The strategies of intelligent building and the travel and ways of working management are prior to the others for supporting environment sustainability. Finally, the strategies for the data center consolidation and energy management and server and storage virtualization have the huge influence for green IT systems, services and usage This research results the following implications. The amount of energy consumption and CO2 emissions of IT equipment including electrical business equipment will need to be clearly indicated in order to manage the effect of green business/IT strategy. And it is necessary to develop tools that measure the performance of green business/IT by each step. Additionally, intelligent building could grow up in energy-saving, growth of low carbon and related industries together. It is necessary to expand the affect of virtualization though adjusting and controlling the relationship between the management teams.

[ $^1H$ ] MR Spectroscopy of the Normal Human Brains: Comparison between Signa and Echospeed 1.5 T System (정상 뇌의 수소 자기공명분광 소견: 1.5 T Signa와 Echospeed 자기공명영상기기에서의 비교)

  • Kang Young Hye;Lee Yoon Mi;Park Sun Won;Suh Chang Hae;Lim Myung Kwan
    • Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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    • v.8 no.2
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    • pp.79-85
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    • 2004
  • Purpose : To evaluate the usefulness and reproducibility of $^1H$ MRS in different 1.5 T MR machines with different coils to compare the SNR, scan time and the spectral patterns in different brain regions in normal volunteers. Materials and Methods : Localized $^1H$ MR spectroscopy ($^1H$ MRS) was performed in a total of 10 normal volunteers (age; 20-45 years) with spectral parameters adjusted by the autoprescan routine (PROBE package). In all volunteers, MRS was performed in a three times using conventional MRS (Signa Horizon) with 1 channel coil and upgraded MRS (Echospeed plus with EXCITE) with both 1 channel and 8 channel coil. Using these three different machines and coils, SNRs of the spectra in both phantom and volunteers and (pre)scan time of MRS were compared. Two regions of the human brain (basal ganglia and deep white matter) were examined and relative metabolite ratios (NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, and mI/Cr ratios) were measured in all volunteers. For all spectra, a STEAM localization sequence with three-pulse CHESS $H_2O$ suppression was used, with the following acquisition parameters: TR=3.0/2.0 sec, TE=30 msec, TM=13.7 msec, SW=2500 Hz, SI=2048 pts, AVG : 64/128, and NEX=2/8 (Signa/Echospeed). Results : The SNR was about over $30\%$ higher in Echospeed machine and time for prescan and scan was almost same in different machines and coils. Reliable spectra were obtained on both MRS systems and there were no significant differences in spectral patterns and relative metabolite ratios in two brain regions (p>0.05). Conclusion : Both conventional and new MRI systems are highly reliable and reproducible for $^1H$ MR spectroscopic examinations in human brains and there are no significant differences in applications for $^1H$ MRS between two different MRI systems.

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Clinical Impact of Bronchial Reactivity and Its Relationship with Changes of Pulmonary Function After Asthmatic Attack Induced by Methacholine (기관지 반응성의 임상적 의의 및 메타콜린으로 유도된 천식 발작시 폐기능 변화와의 관계)

  • Ryu, Yon-Ju;Choi, Young-Ju;Kwak, Jae-Jin;Lee, Ji-A;Nam, Seung-Hyun;Park, Chang-Han;Chaon, Saon-Hee
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.52 no.1
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    • pp.24-36
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    • 2002
  • Background: Bronchial reactivity is known to be a component of airway hyperresponsiveness, a cardinal feature of asthma, with bronchial sensitivity, and is increments in response to induced doses of bronchoconstrictors as manifested by the steepest slope of the dose-response curve. However, there is some controversy regarding methods of measuring bronchial reactivity and clinical impact of such measurements. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance and assess the clinical use by analyzing the relationship of the bronchial sensitivity, the clinical severity and the changes in pulmonary function with bronchial reactivity. Method: A total of 116 subjects underwent a methacholine bronchial provocation test. They were divided into 3 groups : mild intermittent, mild persistent, moderate and cough asthma. Severe patients were excluded. Methacholine PC20 was determined from the log dose-response curve and PC40 was determined by one more dose inhalation after PC20. The steepest slope of log dose-response curve, connecting PC20 with PC40, was used to calculate the bronchial reactivity. Body plethysmography and a single breath for the DLCO were done in 43 subjects before and after methacholine test. Results: The average bronchial reactivity was 38.0 in the mild intermittent group, 49.8 in the mild persistent group, 61.0 in the moderate group, and 41.1 in the cough asthma group. There was a weak negative correlation between PC20 and bronchial reactivity. A heightened bronchial reactivity tends to produce an increased clinical severity in patients with a similar bronchial sensitivity and basal spirometric pulmonary function. There were significant correlations between the bronchial reactivity and the initial pulmonary function before the methacholine test in the order of sGaw, Raw, $FEV_1$/FVC, MMFR. There were no correlations between the bronchial sensitivity and the % change in the pulmonary function parameters after the methacholine test. However, there were significant correlations between the bronchial reactivity and the PEF, $FEV_1$, DLCO. Conclusion: There was weak significant negative correlation between the bronchial reactivity and the bronchial sensitivity, and the bronchial reactivity closely reflected the severity of the asthma. Accordingly, measuring both the bronchial sensitivity and the bronchial reactivity can be of assistance in assessing of the ongoing disease severity and in monitoring the effect of therapy.

The SOFA Score to Evaluate Organ Failure and Prognosis in the Intensive Care Unit Patients (중환자실에 입원한 환자의 장기부전 및 예후 평가를 위한 SOFA 점수체계의 의의)

  • Kim, Su Ho;Lee, Myung Goo;Park, Sang Myeon;Park, Young Bum;Jang, Seung Hun;Kim, Cheol Hong;Jeon, Man Jo;Shin, Tae Rim;Eom, Kwang Seok;Hyun, In-Gyu;Jung, Ki-Suck;Lee, Seung-Joon
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.57 no.4
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    • pp.329-335
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    • 2004
  • Background : The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score can help to assess organ failure over time and is useful to evaluate morbidity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of SOFA score as a descriptor of multiple organ failure in critically ill patients in a local unit hospital, and to compare with APACHE III scoring system. Methods : This study was carried out prospectively. A total of ninety one patients were included who admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) in Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital from May 1 through June 30, 2000. We excluded patients with a length of stay in the ICU less than 2 days following scheduled procedure, admissions for ECG monitoring, other department and patients transferred to other hospital. The SOFA score and APACHE III score were calculated on admission and then consecutively every 24 hours until ICU discharge. Results : The ICU mortality rate was 20%. The non-survivors had a higher SOFA score within 24 hours after admission. The number of organ failure was associated with increased mortality. The evaluation of a subgroup of 74 patients who stayed in the ICU for at least 48 hours showed that survivors and non-survivors followed a different course. In this subgroup, the total SOFA score increased in 81% of the non-survivors but in only 21% of the survivors. Conversely, the total SOFA score decreased in 48% of the survivors compared with 6% of the non-survivors. The non-survivors also had a higher APACHE III score within 24 hours and there was a correlation between SOFA score and APACHE III score. Conclusion : The SOFA score is a simple, but effective method to assess organ failure and to predict mortality in critically ill patients. Regular and repeated scoring enables patient's condition and clinical course to be monitored and better understood. The SOFA score well correlates with APACHE III score.