• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.66 no.2
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• pp.98-103
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• 2009

Background: Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is characterized by a proliferation of Langerhans cells and this results in granulomas that involve multiple organs of the body. Because the incidence of PLCH is very low in Korea and worldwide, collecting the clinical data of patients with PLCH nationwide is needed to determine the clinical features of Korean patients with PLCH. Methods: The patients with PLCH confirmed by biopsy at any body site were included and the patients should have lung lesions present. A questionnaire that had items on the symptoms, lung function tests, the roentgenographic findings and the treatment was collected retrospectively at a Korean ILD Research Meeting. Results: A total of 56 cases were collected. The number of males and females was 48 and 8, respectively, and their median age was 43 years (range: 18-67 years). The patients were current or ex-smokers in 79% of the cases. The most frequent symptom was coughing (39%), followed in decreasing order by dyspnea (38%), sputum (20%) and chest pain (20%). Pneumothorax was observed in 16 (29%) patients. Lung function tests showed a normal, restrictive, mixed or obstructive pattern in 26 (61%), 7 (16%), 7 (16%) and 3 patients (7%), respectively. Nodular-cystic lesion was most frequently observed in 59% of the patients on HRCT. The lung lesions were located in the middle and upper lobes in almost the cases. The median follow-up period was 90 months (range: 1-180 months) and only two patients died during this period. Conclusion: This study provides a national survey of the patients with PLCH during a long follow-up period.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.107-111
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• 2007

Sex differentiation of the brown croaker Miichthys miiuy (Basilewsky) is described from hatching to the 120th day post-hatching (dph) (water temperature $24^{\circ}C$). Primordial germ cells (PGCs) were observed on the 20th dph (10.4 mm total length (TL), 0.14 g body weight (BW), and began to protrude into the peritoneal cavity from the 40th dph (19.4 mm TL, 0.39 g BW). On the 65th dph (31.3 mm TL, 0.93 g BW, $1,560D^{\circ}$ (degree-days)), initial ovarian differentiation was identified by the PGCs with condensed chromatin, and their transformation into meiotic oocytes. By the 120th dph (4.60 mm TL, 1.38 g BW, $2,880D^{\circ}$), the oocytes were in the perinucleolus stage and had increased from 20 to $40{\mu}m$ in diameter. While ovaries gradually grew after sex was differentiated, testes continued to multiply from the 65th dph. On the 80th dph (37.9 mm TL, 1.39 g BW, $1,920D^{\circ}$), the beginning of testis lobule formation was indicated by the occurrence of spermatogonial cysts enveloped by somatic cells in some of the testes. On the 120th dph, the testis lobules of some of the fish contained all germ cell stages through to the spermatocytes. Therefore, the sex differentiation type of the brown croaker is identified as gonochoristic.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2006

Objectives: We studied to find out the relevant relationship between the type of residence and the level of mental depression among aged people. Methods: The authors surveyed 156 people who are over 65 in a small city. Here are three groups: 50 persons who live in the facility for the aged. 72 persons who live with their family and 34 persons who live alone. We developed the questionnaire and the severity of depressive symptoms was measured using Korean Form of Geriatric Depression Scale (KGDS) score. Results: Positive rate of depressive disorders among the aged people was 43.6%. Positive rate of depressive disorders among the aged who live in the facility for the aged was 42.0% and that persons who live with their family was 9.7%. It's more likely to be their gender, the marital status, schooling, going out and pocket money that affect on their mental depression. According to the multiple logistic regression, the odds ratios of the persons who live in the facility for the aged versus persons who live with their family and pocket money in a month were significant (p<0.05). Conclusions: The research shows that the mental depression in the aged people is more serious in the facility for the aged and also significantly related to their pocket money.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.8
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• pp.842-847
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• 2008

Purpose : Measurement of forced expiratory volume in 1 second ($FEV_1$) is usually difficult to obtain in children under six years of age because it requires active cooperation. This study evaluates the sensitivity of impulse oscillometry system (IOS) parameters for detecting airway obstruction in comparison with $FEV_1$. Methods : We studied 174 children who performed the lung function and methacholine challenge tests to diagnose asthma by IOS and spirometry. Children were divided into two subgroups according to their $PC_{20}$, which is a parameter for bronchial sensitivity. We compared IOS parameters with $FEV_1$ at the baseline, post-methacholine challenge, and evaluated their correlation. Results : At the baseline, reactance at 5 Hz (X5) and resistance at 5 Hz (R5) significantly differed between the $PC_{20}$ positive ($PC_{20}{\leq}16mg/mL$) group and $PC_{20}$ negative ($PC_{20}$ >16 mg/mL) group; however, $FEV_1$, $FEV_1$ % predicted, $FEV_1_-Zs$ (Z score) did not differ. $FEV_1$ is correlated with X5 (r=0.45, P<0.01) and R5 (r=-0.69, P<0.01). $FEV_1_-Zs$ is also correlated with X5_Zs (r=-0.26, P<0.01) and R5_Zs (r=-0.31, P<0.01). After the methacholine challenge test, dose-response slopes in $FEV_1$ and X5 significantly differed between the two subgroups (P<0.05). Conclusion : IOS parameters were more discriminative than $FEV_1$ for detecting decreased baseline lung function between two subgroups and have a good correlation with $FEV_1$.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.69-82
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• 2013

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of Dulegil in Bukhansan National Park in dispersing peak climbing hikers, characterize each section of Dulegil and suggest ideas of improvement. This study was conducted based on the survey completed by visitors in all 21 sections of Dulegil. After the construction of Dulegil, the number of visit to Dulegil grew and it was analyzed that Dulegil attracted new visitors given that the rate of young people(aged 19~30) who visited for the first time was quite high. Regarding the frequency of peak climbing, 7.6% of the respondents said "decreased" and 46.2% said "increased", showing that Dulegil's effect to disperse peak climbing hikers is nominal. Seven qualities were evaluated regarding Dulegil's level of satisfaction. Out of those seven, the quality of recreational place and taking a walk achieved high scores of 3.74 and 3.61 respectively. The quality of culture and history scored the lowest with 3.09. The analysis on the characteristic of each section of Dulegil, reason of visit, and the visitors' level of satisfaction showed that Dulegil is now regarded as a place where they can improve their health through light exercise and walking. In addition, a positive effect can be expected for a long time since there are different ways of utilizing the resources of the National Park, such as getting in touch with nature, preserving ecology, learning history and enjoying beautiful landscapes. If infrastructure and programs specific to each section of Dulegil were improved in a long-term perspective, it would be effective to encourage peak climbers and enjoy the lower parts of the mountain.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.40-48
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• 2008

Purpose : We sought to determine the early change of ventricular geometry and function after concomitant surgeries of modified Dor procedure and mitral valve annuloplasty by using magnetic resonance imaging. Materials and Methods : We enrolled 21 patients with dilated heart failure who underwent modified Dor procedure (n=8), mitral valve annuloplasty (n=6), or both surgeries (n=7). Cine MRI was used to assess left ventricular dimensions and function before and after surgery. We measured the left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes and the dimensions of the left ventricular long-axis and short-axis. Left ventricular stroke volume, ejection fraction, and sphericity index were calculated from these measurements. These parameters were analyzed and compared between three different surgery groups to explain the combined effect of the concomitant surgeries. Results : MRI was performed within average $12\;{\pm}\;15$ days (range 1-58 days) before and $38\;{\pm}\;50$ days (range 7- 231 days) after the surgery. The patients who underwent concomitant surgeries had more profound enlargement of left ventricle and decreased contractility prior to surgery than those in the patients who underwent single surgical procedure. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume and endsystolic volume significantly decreased in all patients regardless of surgery type after surgery. Ejection fraction significantly increased only in the patients who got modified Dor procedure without mitral valve annuloplasty (25.4% to 40.7%). Sphericity index increased in patients with modified Dor procedure but decreased in patients with mitral valve annuloplasty (0.65 to 0.78 vs. 0.75 to 0.65). In the patients who underwent concomitant surgeries showed no significant change in sphericity index after surgery. Conclusion : The early change of the left ventricular geometry and function after the concomitant surgeries with modified Dor procedure and mitral valve annuloplasty in patients with dilated heart failure includes a marked reduction in left ventricular volume and in stroke volume. The shape of the left ventricle does not change because the effect of sphericity index decrease from mitral valve annuloplasty is counteracted by the effect of sphericity index increase from modified Dor procedure. Improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction is not the early change after the concomitant surgeries.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.10
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• pp.976-981
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• 2007

Purpose : Aortic valve or aortic root (AoRo) replacement is occasionally required because of AoRo dilatation and aortic regurgitation (AR) in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). We evaluated AoRo size and possible factors associated with its hemodynamic nature in patients with repaired TOF. Methods : We investigated 130 repaired TOF patients more than 15 years of age who followed-up by echocardiography from January 2002 to December 2003. Of 130 patients, we identified 17 patients with AoRo dilatation, which was defined as ratio of expected AoRo size by standard nomogram (AoRo ratio) >1.5 (dilator group), and 113 TOF controls, with AoRo ratio <1.5 (non-dilator group). Results : Mean indexed AoRo size ($mm/m^2$) in the first echo was $24{\pm}3.2$ in the dilator group and $18{\pm}3.4$ in the non-dilator group (P<0.0001). AoRo rate of change (mm/year) from the first to latest echo study was $1.6{\pm}3.8$ in dilator group and $0.05{\pm}1.6$ in the non dilator group (P=0.0021). Patients from the dilator group showed a higher prevalence of pulmonary atresia (P=0.031) and a history of aortopulmonary shunt before repair (P=0.048), moderate to severe AR (P=0.0065), and increased left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions (P=0.003). Conclusions : A subset of patients late after TOF repair may show progressive dilatation of AoRo. To identify and prevent long-term sequelae in this patient group, regular follow-up and speculation about AoRo after TOF repair is recommended.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.10
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• pp.970-975
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• 2007

Purpose : Accurate measurement of defect size is important in transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD). We performed this study to analyze the difference between the measured ASD size and balloon occlusive diameter (BOD) by transthoracic (TTE) or transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Methods : We investigated 78 patients who underwent transcatheter closure of ASD. The defect size and the distance between the surrounding structures were measured by TTE and TEE. The BOD was measured by TEE during cardiac catheterization. Clinical characteristics and echocardiographic data were compared and analyzed. Results : The difference between BOD and diameter by TTE was $4.8{\pm}3.6mm$ on short axis view, $5.4{\pm}3.2mm$ on long axis view. The difference between BOD and diameter by TEE was $3.6{\pm}2.2mm$ on short axis view, $4.2{\pm}3.1mm$ on long axis view. The difference between BOD and the diameter of defects on TTE, TEE had statistically significant positive correlations with the age of the patients, distance between the, defect and posterior atrial septal wall, the distance between the defect and the mitral valve leaflet, and the diameter of defects and the length of the atrial septum on TTE (P<0.05). Conclusion : BOD of ASD can be estimated by the diameter on TTE and TEE. BOD is expected to measure larger, depending on the size of defects, the distance from surrounding structures and the location of defects on echocardiography. Our data offers important information on details of transcatheter ASD closure which can be helpful in predicting suitability and judging the procedural appropriateness during the procedure.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.51-58
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• 2000

Purpose :The effect of PTK inhibitors (herbimycin A and genistein) on the induction of radiation-induced apoptosis in Ph-positive KS62 leukemia cell line was investigated. Materials and Methods :K562 cells in exponential growth phase were irradiated with a linear accelerator at room temperature. For 6 MV X-ray irradiation and drug treatment, cultures were initiated at 2×106 cells/mL. The cells were irradiated with 10 Gy. Stock solutions of herbimycin A and genistein were prepared in dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO). After incubation at 37$^{\circ}C$ for 0$\~$48 h, the extent of apoptosis was determined using agarose gel electrophoresis and TUNEL assay. The progression of cells through the cell cycle after irradiation and drug treatment was also determined with flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was used to monitor bel-2, bel-X$_{L}$ and bax protein levels. Results :Treatment with 10 Gy X-irradiation did not result in the induction of apoptosis. The HMA alone (500 nM) also failed to induce apoptosis. By contrast, incubation of K562 cells with HMA after irradiation resulted in a substantial induction of nuclear condensation and fragmentation by agarose gel electro-phoresis and TUNEL assay. Genistein failed to enhance the ability of X-irradiation to induce DNA fragmentation. Enhancement of apoptosis by HMA was not attributable to downregulation of the bel-2 or bel-X$_{L}$ anti-apoptotic proteins. When the cells were irradiated and maintained with HMA, the percentage of cells in G2/M phase decreased to 30$\~$40$\%$ at 48 h. On the other hand, cells exposed to 10 Gy X-irradiation alone or maintained with genistein did not show marked cell cycle redistribution. Conclusion : We have shown that nanomolar concentrations of the PTK inhibitor HMA synergize with X-irradiation in inducing the apoptosis in Ph (+) K562 leukemia cell line. While, genistein, a PTK inhibitor which is not selective for p210$^{bcr/abl}$ failed to enhance the radiation induced apoptosis in KS62 cells. It is unlikely that the ability of HMA to enhance apoptosis in K562 cells is attributable to bel-2 family. It is plausible that the relationship between cell cycle delays and cell death is essential for drug development based on molecular targeting designed to modify radiation-induced apoptosis.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.96-103
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• 2009

Objectives : We evaluated the health effects of exposure to BTEX(Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, m,p-Xylene, o-Xylene) in the Taean area after the Hebei Spirit oil spill. Methods : We used a questionnaire survey to look for health effects among 80 pregnant women 2 to 3 months following the Hebei Spirit oil spill. Their BTEX exposures were estimated using the CALPUFF method. We then used a multiple logistic regression analysis to evaluate the effects of BTEX exposure on the women s health effets. Results : Pregnant women who lived near the accident site reported more symptoms of eye irritation and headache than those who lived farther from the site. There was a trend of decreasing symptoms with an increase in distance from the spill site. Pregnant women exposed to higher ambient cumulative levels of Xylene were significantly more likely to report symptoms of the skin(OR 8.01 95% CI=1.74-36.76) in the first day after the accident and significantly more likely to report abdominal pain(OR 3.86 95% CI=1.02-14.59 for Ethylbenzene, OR 6.70 95% CI=1.82-24.62 for Xylene) during the 1st through 4th days following the accident. Conclusions : This study suggests that exposure to BTEX from an oil spill is correlated with an increased risk of health effects among pregnant women. This implies the need to take proper measures, including the development of a national policy for environmental health emergencies and a plan for studying the short- and long-term chronic health effects associated with such spills.