• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.29 no.12
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• pp.1323-1328
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• 1996

The obstructive diseases involving the left main coronary artery(LMCA) are serious. Surgical treatment is generally regarded as much more effective than medical therapy in terms of long-term survival and relief of symptoms. This study represents an attempt to present an analysis of early surgical results in 21 cases conducted at Chonnam University Hospital between October 1992 And August 1995. The subject. 12 males and 9 female, ranged in age from 25 to 67 years with a mean age of 49.3${\pm}$12.5 years. As for indications for operation, unstable angina was reported on 66.7% of the subjects, while stable angina and acute myocardial infarction in 4 and 3 cases, respectively. There were also 2 cases of Takayasu's aortitis and 1 case of failed percutaneous translumlnal coronary angioplasty(PTCA). Eleven subjects had isolated LMCA diseases compared to 10 subjects with associated LMCA diseases. Of the patients with ass;3ciated LMCA diseases, 4 subjects had single coronary artery disease, 3 had double coronary artery disease, remaining 3 suffered from triple coronary artery disease. As for the group with isolated LMCA disease, ostidl angioplasty llsing autopericardium was conducted with 5 subjects. The remaining subjects with the isolated diseases and all of the patients with associated LMCA disease underwent aortocoronary bypass grafts. The left internal mammary artery was used in all patients and the average number of anastomoses was 3.13 ${\pm}$0.93. One subject died of low cardiac output syndrome at the second postoperative day. There were 5 instances of postoperative complication including reoperation for bleeding in two patients, wound infection in two, and arrhythmia in one. Follow-up coronary angiogram were conducted with eights patients, including five patients who underwent ostial angioplasty. In these cases, the patients showed surf. ficient enlargement of the left coronary ostium and the grafted vessels kept their patency. In our experience, surgical treatment of the LMCA diseases has not shown a higher rAte of operative mortAlity or morbidity than other obstructive coronary artery diseases. To patients with ostial stenosis, which is frequently observed among young female, angioplasly utilizing autopericardium seems to be a desirable choice considering the cosmetic effect, chances of reoperation and hemodynamic characteristics.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.210-217
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• 1997

Purpose: To prevent residual physical disability and chronic infection, prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment are important in the skeletal infections in children. Although radioisotope scanning is knwon as the method of choice for early diagnosis of bone infection, we conducted a study on twenty nine children who had skeletal infections to reevaluate the most appropriate way in diagnosis and management. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on twenty nine children, who were admitted to the departments of Pediatrics and Orthopedic Surgery and who had acute osteomyelitis or septic arthritis, through review of medical records, radiologic & radioisotope study results. Their diagnoses were confirmed by bacteriologic cultures on the aspirated specimens from suspected bony lesions. Results: 1) Among twenty nine patients, there were 6 infants including 5 newborn infants, and 23 children were aged between 1 and 15 years. Male to female ratio was 1.4 to 1. 2) Point tenderness was noted in all cases, and the common physical signs were swelling, limitation of motion, fever and local heat in the order of frequency. 3) Fifty two percents of the patients were diagnosed within a week after onset of symptoms and all cases were within 15 days. 4) Leukocytosis was noted in only 58.6% of cases but erythrocyte sedimentation rate was increased in all cases except only one case. Staphylococcus aureus was revealed as the most common etiologic agent. 5) Radioisotope scans showed hot uptake in five of six cases(83.3%) who had no abnormal finding on plain skeletal radiolograms. Conclusions: Although radioisotope scan and MRI are helpful in early diagnosis before radiologic finding was detected on plain X-ray film, the antimicrobial therapy can be started after bacteriologic study of the aspirated specimens from the suspected skeletal lesions if skeletal infection is highly suspected clinically.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.193-200
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• 2011

Purpose : The effect of corticosteroid on severe pneumonia caused by 2009 pandemic influenza (H1N1) A virus is controversial. This study was aimed to present the effects of early, short-term corticosteroid treatment for severe pneumonia with this virus infection. Methods : A retrospective analysis was performed on severe pneumonia patients (37 patients) who had severe respiratory distress at presentation requiring oxygen therapy and received intravenous methylprednisolone (MP, 8-10 mg/kg, divided in 4 doses/day for 2-3 days) with oseltamivir. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients were evaluated through the medical records and chest radiographic findings. Results : The mean age and male-to-female ratio of the patients were 6.5${\pm}$2.9 years of age, and 3.4:1 (male 29 patients), respectively. The 5-9 aged group was predominant among the age groups (25 patients, 67.6%). Duration of fever prior to admission was 1.4${\pm}$0.6 days and dyspnea developed within 24 h after beginning of respiratory symptoms in all patients. All patients were previously healthy and received oseltamivir within 48 h. Thirteen patients (35.1%) developed dyspnea during oseltamivir treatment. Following MP infusion, all 37 patients including 13 progressive pneumonia patients during oseltamivir treatment showed an immediate halt in the progression of pneumonic infiltration with rapid clinical improvement. There were no side-effects following steroid use. Conclusion : For severe pneumonia patients, early corticosteroid treatment halted clinical exacerbation, and possibly prevented progression to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Further controlled clinical studies are needed for the role of corticosteroids and antivirals on severely affected patients with influenza virus infections.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.160-168
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• 2019

This study aimed to determine whether double-processed ginseng berry extract (PGBC) could improve learning and memory in an $A\hat{a}42$-induced Alzheimer's mouse model. Passive avoidance test (PAT) and Morris water-maze test (MWMT) were performed after mice were treated with PGBC, followed by acetylcholine (ACh) measurement and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) detection for brain damage. Furthermore, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) expression were analyzed using Ellman's and qPCR assays, respectively. Results demonstrated that PGBC contained a high amount of ginsenosides (Re, Rd, and Rg3), which are responsible for the clearance of $A{\hat{a}} 42$. They also helped to significantly improve PAT and MWMT performance in the $A{\hat{a}} 42-induced$ Alzheimer's mouse model when compared to the normal group. Interestingly, ACh and ChAT were remarkably upregulated and AChE activities were significantly inhibited, suggesting PGBC to be a palliative adjuvant for treating Alzheimer's disease. Altogether, PGBC was found to play a positive role in improving cognitive abilities. Thus, it could be a new alternative solution for alleviating Alzheimer's disease symptoms.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.131-140
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• 2022

Purpose: Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began, new variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have emerged, and distinct epidemic waves of COVID-19 have occurred for an extended period. This study aimed to analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children with COVID-19 from the third wave to the middle of the fourth epidemic wave in Korea. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of hospitalized patients aged ≤18 years with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. The study periods were divided into the third wave (from November 13, 2020 to July 6, 2021) and the fourth wave (from July 7 to October 31, 2021). Results: Ninety-three patients were included in the analysis (33 in the third and 60 in the fourth waves). Compared with the third wave, the median age of patients was significantly older during the fourth wave (6.7 vs. 2.8 years, P=0.014). Household contacts was reported in 60.2% of total patients, similar in both periods (69.7 vs. 55.0%, P=0.190). Eighty-one (87.1%) had symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among these, 10 (12.3%) had no respiratory symptoms. Anosmia or ageusia were more commonly observed in the fourth epidemic wave (10.7 vs. 34.0%, P=0.032). Most respiratory illness were upper respiratory tract infections (94.4%, 67/71), 4 had pneumonia. The median cycle threshold values (detection threshold, 40) for RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and envelope (E) genes of SARS-CoV-2 were 21.3 and 19.3, respectively. There was no significant difference in viral load during 2 epidemic waves. Conclusions: There were different characteristics during the two epidemic waves of COVID-19.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.45 no.12
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• pp.896-910
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• 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmissible and potentially fatal virus. So far, most comprehensive analyses encompassing clinical and transcriptional manifestation have concentrated on the lungs. Here, we confirmed evident signs of viral infection in the lungs and spleen of SARS-CoV-2-infected K18-hACE2 mice, which replicate the phenotype and infection symptoms in hospitalized humans. Seven days post viral detection in organs, infected mice showed decreased vital signs, leading to death. Bronchopneumonia due to infiltration of leukocytes in the lungs and reduction in the spleen lymphocyte region were observed. Transcriptome profiling implicated the meticulous regulation of distress and recovery from cytokine-mediated immunity by distinct immune cell types in a time-dependent manner. In lungs, the chemokine-driven response to viral invasion was highly elevated at 2 days post infection (dpi). In late infection, diseased lungs, post the innate immune process, showed recovery signs. The spleen established an even more immediate line of defense than the lungs, and the cytokine expression profile dropped at 7 dpi. At 5 dpi, spleen samples diverged into two distinct groups with different transcriptome profile and pathophysiology. Inhibition of consecutive host cell viral entry and massive immunoglobulin production and proteolysis inhibition seemed that one group endeavored to survive, while the other group struggled with developmental regeneration against consistent viral intrusion through the replication cycle. Our results may contribute to improved understanding of the longitudinal response to viral infection and development of potential therapeutics for hospitalized patients affected by SARS-CoV-2.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.435-445
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• 2023

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of vinegar extract from seed of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) and seed of tartary buckwheat (F. tataricum Gaertner) on acute ethanol-induced hangover in Sprague-Dawley rats. Vinegar extract from buckwheat is rich choline, quercetin and its glycoside, rutin known as flavonoid antioxidants. The test extract containing buckwheat was proven to alleviate hangovers through a significant reduction in the concentration of alcohol and acetaldehyde in the context of an alcohol-induced hangover model. Hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activities were significantly higher in buckwheat vinegar-treated rats than in ethanol-treated rats. Moreover, tartary buckwheat vinegar upregulated antioxidant enzyme such as superoxide dismutase and Catalase activities in liver tissues. These results suggest that buckwheat vinegar extract could alleviate ethanol-induced hangover symptoms by elevating activities related to hepatic ethanol-metabolizing enzymes against ethanol induced metabolites, and in particular, tartary buckwheat should be further developed to be a novel anti-hangover material.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.23-62
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• 1969

Throughout the studies the following experimental results were obtained and are summarized: 1. Multiplication of agents in primary cell cultures of both GF classical and CR-64 acute strain of Marek's disease infected chicken kidneys was accompanied by the formation of distinct transformed cell foci. This characteristic nature of cell transformation was passaged regularly by addition of dispersed cell from infected cultures to normal chicken kidney cell cultures, and also transferred was the nature of cell transformation to normal chick-embryo liver and neuroglial cell cultures. No cytopathic changes were noticed in inoculated chick-embryo fibroblast cultures. 2. The same cytopathic effects were noticed in normal kidney cell monolayers after the inoculation of whole blood and huffy coat cells derived from both forms of Marek's disease infected chickens. In these cases, however, the number of transformed cell foci appearing was far less than that of uninoculated monolayers prepared directly from the kidneys of Marek's disease infected chickens. 3. The change in cell culture IS regarded as a specific cell transformation focus induced by an oncogenic virus rather than it plaque in slowly progressing cytopathic effect by non-oncogenic viruses, and it is quite similar to RSV focus in chick-embryo fibroblasts in many respects. 4. The infective agent (cell transformable) were extremely cell-associated and could not be separated in an infective state from cells under the experimental conditions. 5. The focus assay of these agents was valid as shown by the high degree of linear correlation (r=0.97 and 0.99) between the relative infected cell concentration (in inoculum) and the transformed cell foci counted. 6. No differences were observed between the GF classical strain and the CR-64 acute strain of Marek's disease as far as cell culture behavior. 7. Characterization of the isolates by physical and chemical treatments, development of internuclear inclusions in Infected cells, and nucleic acid typing by differential stainings and cytochemical treatments indicated that the natures of these cell transformation agents closely resemble to those described fer the group B herpes viruses. 8. Susceptible chicks inoculated with infected kidney tissue culture cells developed specific lesions of Marek's disease, and in a case of prolonged observation after inoculation (5 weeks) the birds developed clinical symptoms and gross lesions of Marek's disease. Kidney cell cultures prepared from those inoculated birds and sacrificed showed a superior recovery of cell transformation property by formation of distinct foci. 9. Electron microscopic study of infected kidney culture cells (GF agent) by negative staining technique revealed virus particles furnishing the properties of herpes viruses. The particle was measured about $100m{\mu}$ and, so far, no herpes virus envelop has been seen from these preparations. 10. No relationship of both isolates to avian leukosis/sarcoma group viruses and PPLO was observed.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.213-221
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• 2001

Propose : Tsutsugamushi fever is a acute febrile disease, which is caused by O. tsutsugamushi. Recently, this disease is increasingly reported in children. This study was undertaken to investigate clinical features of tsutsugamushi fever in children. Methods : This study involved 17 children with tsutsugamushi fever who were admitted to Masan Samsung hospital between September 1997 and December 2000. We investigated the age, sex ratio, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, response of therapy and prognosis. Results : The age of patients was $6.9{\pm}3.6$ years, ranging from 6 months to 12 years and male predilection(58.8%) was noted and all cases of patients occured in October or November. The most common symptoms were fever in all cases and headache in 8(47.1%). The most common signs were skin rash in all cases, eschar in 14(82.4%) and lymphadenopathy 8(47.1%). Locations of the eschars were back and inguinal area in each 3 cases, neck and chest in each 2, popliteal area in 2, scalp and thigh in each 1. Laboratory findings included anemia in 1 case, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia in each 5, hematuria and proteinuria in each 1, ESR elevation in 2 and positive CRP in 12, AST elevation in 9 and ALT elevation in 7. Serologic diagnosis was made by passive hemagglutination assay(PHA) in 8 cases(47%) on admission, 4 cases in initial negative group were performed follow-up test at 2nd or 3rd weeks of illness and then all cases of 4 were converted to positive reaction. Clinical improvement was noticed in all cases after treatment to chloramhenicol or doxycycline. Mean duration for defervescence after treatment was $1.4{\pm}0.8$ days. Complications were interstitial pneumonia in 1 case and aseptic meningitis in 3, but all cases of patients were recovered without sequelae or recurrence. Conclusions : Tsutsugamushi fever in children was similiar to adult in the clinical features except male predilection. Early diagnosis and empirical treatment based on clinical manifestations such as fever, skin rash, eschar, lymphadenopathy is important and serologic diagnosis need to perform follow-up test at 2nd or 3rd weeks of illness.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.41-54
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• 2007

Background : The causes of chest pain vary but the leading cause of chest pain is ischemic heart disease. Mortality from ischemic chest pain has increased more than two fold over the last ten years. The purpose of this study was to determine the data necessary for rapid treatment of patients with signs and symptoms of ischemic chest pain in the emergency department (ED). Materials and Methods : We interviewed 170 patients who had ischemic chest pain in the emergency department of Yeungnam University Hospital over 6 months with a protocol developed for the evaluation. The protocol used included gender, age, arriving time, prior hospital visits, methods of transportation to the hospital, past medical history, final diagnosis, and outcome information from follow up. Results : Among 170 patients, there were 118 men (69.4%) and the mean age was 63 years. The patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were 106 (62.4%) and with angina pectoris (AP) were 64 (37.6%). The patients who had visited another hospital were 68.8%, twice the number that came directly to this hospital (p<0.05). The ratio of patients who visited another hospital were higher for the AMI (75.5%) than the AP (59.4%) patients (p<0.05). The median time spent deciding whether to go to hospital was 521 minutes and for transportation was 40 minutes. With regard to patients that visited another hospital first, the median time spent at the other hospital was 40 minutes. The total median time spent before arriving at our hospital was 600 minutes (p>0.05). The patients who had a total time delay of over 6 hours was similar 54.8% in the AMI group and 57.9% in the AP group (p>0.05). As a result, only 12.2% of the patients with an AMI received thrombolytics, and 48.8% of them had a simultaneous percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In the emergency department 8.5% of the patients with an AMI died. Conclusion : Timing is an extremely important factor for the treatment of ischemic heart disease. Most patients arrive at the hospital after a long time lapse from the onset of chest pain. In addition, most patients present to a different hospital before they arrive at the final hospital for treatment. Therefore, important time is lost and opportunities for treatment with thrombolytics and/or PCI are diminished leading to poor outcomes for many patients in the ED. The emergency room treatment must improve for the identification and treatment of ischemic heart disease so that patients can present earlier and treatment can be started as soon as they present to an emergency room.