• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.455-460
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• 2010

We evaluated the inappropriateness of metformin use in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic medical conditions to identify the frequency of the prescription metformin in violation of the food and drug administration (FDA) black box warning. We reviewed medical records of 307 outpatients who received metformin at endocrinology department in a hospital setting between January 1, 2005 and August 30, 2009. Of the 307 outpatients, 25 discontinued treatment of metformin due to elevated serum creatinine level (Scr${\geq}$1.5 mg/dl in male, Scr${\geq}$1.4 mg/dl in female), cancers, and/or liver disease. 5 were lost to follow-up. 89 (29.0%) of the patients had cardiovascular disease, 54.1% for hypertension, 9.8% for liver disease, and 60 (20.8%) for chronic kidney disease. 12 patients (3.9%) with chronic kidney disease and/or elevated serum creatinine level, and 1 patient (0.3%) with lactic acidosis were contraindicated to metformin use. Metformin should be avoided in 7 outpatients (2.3%) with active hepatitis and 1 patient (2.6%) with liver cirrhosis. Of the 307 outpatients, 13 (4.2%) patients who received metformin at the first visit and 16 (8.7%) patients who received metformin at the last visit violated to black box warning. 8 (2.6%) of the patients were in precautionary conditions to metformin use. Adjusted mean difference of serum creatinine was -0.16 mg/dl [95% CI: -0.22 to -0.11 (p<0.05)] and adjusted mean difference of alanine aminotransferase was 4.46 IU/l [95% CI: 2.47 to 6.44 (p<0.05)] between the first visit and the last visit. Critical number of elderly patients who are at the high risks of drug-disease and drug-laboratory interaction is exposed to the inappropriate metformin use in violation of black box warning. The periodic evaluation of metformin use and monitoring prescription through drug utility review (DUR) system is needed to improve patients' safety and to reduce adverse drug events.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.71-82
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• 2018

Objectives: Areca nut is widely consumed in many parts of the world, especially in South and Southeast Asia, where cardiovascular disease (CVD) is also a huge burden. Among the forms of CVD, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Research has shown areca nut chewing to be associated with diabetes, hypertension, oropharyngeal and esophageal cancers, and CVD, but little is known about mortality and re-hospitalization secondary to ACS among areca nut users and non-users. Methods: A prospective cohort was studied to quantify the effect of areca nut chewing on patients with newly diagnosed ACS by categorizing the study population into exposed and non-exposed groups according to baseline chewing status. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the associations of areca nut chewing with the risk of re-hospitalization and 30-day mortality secondary to ACS. Results: Of the 384 ACS patients, 49.5% (n=190) were areca users. During 1-month of follow-up, 20.3% (n=78) deaths and 25.1% (n=96) re-hospitalizations occurred. A higher risk of re-hospitalization was found (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29 to 3.27; p=0.002) in areca users than in non-users. Moreover, patients with severe disease were at a significantly higher risk of 30-day mortality (aHR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.67 to 4.59; p<0.001) and re-hospitalization (aHR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.73 to 4.26; p<0.001). Conclusions: The 30-day re-hospitalization rate among ACS patients was found to be significantly higher in areca users and individuals with severe disease. These findings suggest that screening for a history of areca nut chewing may help to identify patients at a high risk for re-hospitalization due to secondary events.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.249-258
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• 2009

The objectives of this study were to compare the relative risk of all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality associated with Asian dust events, and especially to investigate the effects on the susceptible population such as the elderly and children, which were based on the data in Seoul from 2000 to 2006. Both of the study periods with/without Asian dust days, respiratory-cause mortality was the highest, followed by cardiovascular-cause mortality and all-cause mortality in sequence among mortality related to air pollution for all-aged group. As to susceptible group, the relative risk of mortality is the highest for +65 yrs group among all-cause mortality. According to comparison of mortality with/without Asian dust days, the relative risk of all-cause mortality is larger in the model with Asian dust days than the one in the model without Asian dust days among all age group (except for under 15 yrs group) and all air pollutants. The relative risk of cause-specific mortality (except for ozone in under 15 yrs group in case of respiratory-cause mortality, and ozone in all age group and over 65 yrs group in case of cardiovascular-cause mortality) per IQR increase of each pollutant is larger in the model without Asian dust days.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.53 no.5
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• pp.313-322
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• 2020

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the incidence and risk factors of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke in farmers compared to the general population and to establish 5-year prediction models. Methods: The farmer cohort and the control cohort were generated using the customized database of the National Health Insurance Service of Korea database and the National Sample Cohort, respectively. The participants were followed from the day of the index general health examination until the events of MI, stroke, or death (up to 5 years). Results: In total, 734 744 participants from the farmer cohort and 238 311 from the control cohort aged between 40 and 70 were included. The age-adjusted incidence of MI was 0.766 and 0.585 per 1000 person-years in the farmer and control cohorts, respectively. That of stroke was 0.559 and 0.321 per 1000 person-years in both cohorts, respectively. In farmers, the risk factors for MI included male sex, age, personal history of hypertension, diabetes, current smoking, creatinine, metabolic syndrome components (blood pressure, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Those for stroke included male sex, age, personal history of hypertension, diabetes, current smoking, high γ-glutamyl transferase, and metabolic syndrome components (blood pressure, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). The prediction model showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.735 and 0.760 for MI and stroke, respectively, in the farmer cohort. Conclusions: Farmers had a higher age-adjusted incidence of MI and stroke. They also showed distinct patterns in cardiovascular risk factors compared to the general population.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.456-461
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• 2010

The detection of C-reactive protein(CRP) using self-assembled monolayer(SAM) was investigated by a portable surface plasmon resonance(SPR) sensor system. The CRP is a biomarker for the possible cardiovascular disease. The SAM was formed on gold(Au) surface to anchor the monoclonal antibody of CRP(anti-CRP) for detection of CRP. Sequence injection of the anti-CRP and bovine serum albumin(BSA) into the sensor system has been carried out immobilize the antibody and to prevent non-specific binding. The portable SPR system has two flow channels: one for the sample measurements and the other for the reference. The output SPR signal was increased with the injection of the anti-CRP, BSA and CRP due to binding of the proteins on the sensor chip. The valid output SPR signals was linearly related to the critical range of the CRP concentration. The experimental results showed the feasibility of the portable SPR system with newly developed SAM to diagnose a risk of the future cardiovascular events.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.718-731
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• 1985

Renal dysfunction is a common complication of open-heart surgery: a form of controlled hemorrhagic shock, and successful perioperative management of renal dysfunction depends on recognition of the risk factors and optimal management of factors influencing renal function, including cardiopulmonary bypass, and early detection of renal failure. Changes in renal functional parameters including Ccr, Cosm, CH2O, FENa, and RFI were observed prospectively in forty five patients operated on at Dept. of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, S.N.U.H., from April to June, 1985. They were 23 males and 22 females with 35 acquired and 10 congenital heart diseases and the mean age and body surface area of them were 38.010.3 years [22-63] and 1.5518 M2[1.151.92] respectively. Followings are the conclusion. 1. The Ccr, representative of renal function, is significantly improved from 90.231.3 ml/min/M2 preoperatively to 101.536.4 ml/min/M2 postoperative and day [P<0.05], and all patients were classified as postoperative renal functional class I of Abel, which representing adequate renal protection during our cardiopulmonary bypass. 2. The Cosm is significantly elevated at immediate postperfusion time and remained high at postoperative one day representing osmotic diuresis at that time, but CH2O shows no significant changes at immediate postperfusion period and is decreased significantly at postoperative one day, representing recovery of renal concentrating ability at that time with decreasing urine flow. 3. The absolute value and changing tendency in FENa and RFI during perioperative period shows no diagnostic reliability on these parameters, but those of CH2O appear to reveal future renal function more accurately than Ccr 4. The depth of hypothermia may be protective upon renal function against the ill effects of prolonged nonpulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass. 5. The depth of the hypothermia, pump time of more than 150 minutes, poor cardiac function, and intraoperative events such as embolism appear to be related with immediate postperfusion renal function. 6. Hemoglobinuria and hemolysis, poor preoperative renal function, history of cardiac surgery, and massive transfusion associated with bleeding appear not to be related with renal dysfunction.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.387-395
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• 2022

Background: Fermentation may alter the bioavailability of certain compounds, which may affect their efficacy and pharmacological responses. This study investigated the antiplatelet effects of red ginseng extract (RGE) and fermented red ginseng extract (FRG). Methods: A rodent model was used to evaluate the antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects of the extracts. Rats were orally fed with human equivalent doses of the extracts for 1 week and examined for various signaling pathways using standard in vivo and ex vivo techniques. Light transmission aggregometry was performed, and calcium mobilization, dense granule secretion, integrin α_IIbβ₃-mediated signaling molecules, cyclic nucleotide signaling events, and various protein molecules were evaluated ex vivo in collagen-stimulated washed platelets. Furthermore, antithrombotic properties were evaluated using a standard acute pulmonary thromboembolism model, and the effects on hemostasis were investigated using rat and mice models. Results: Both RGE and FRG significantly inhibited platelet aggregation, calcium mobilization, and dense granule secretion along with integrin-mediated fibrinogen binding and fibrinogen adhesion. cAMP levels were found to be elevated in RGE-treated rat platelets. Ginseng extracts did not exert any effect on prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time. RGE-treated mice showed significantly better survival under thrombosis than FRG-treated mice, with no effects on hemostasis, whereas FRG-treated mice exhibited a slight increment in bleeding time. Conclusion: Both extracts, especially RGE, are remarkable supplements to maintain cardiovascular health and are potential candidates for the treatment and prevention of platelet-related cardiovascular disorders.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.313-320
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• 2022

The KoreaN Cohort Study for Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease (KNOW-CKD) was launched in 2011 with the support of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. The study was designed with the aim of exploring the various clinical features and characteristics of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Koreans, and elucidating the risk factors for CKD progression and adverse outcomes of CKD. For the cohort study, nephrologists at 9 tertiary university-affiliated hospitals participated in patient recruitment and follow-up. Biostatisticians and epidemiologists also participated in the basic design and structuring of the study. From 2011 until 2016, the KNOW-CKD Phase I recruited 2238 adult patients with CKD from stages G1 to G5, who were not receiving renal replacement therapy. The KNOW-CKD Phase II recruitment was started in 2019, with an enrollment target of 1500 subjects, focused on diabetic nephropathy and hypertensive kidney diseases in patients with reduced kidney function who are presumed to be at a higher risk of adverse outcomes. As of 2021, the KNOW-CKD investigators have published articles in the fields of socioeconomics, quality of life, nutrition, physical activity, renal progression, cardiovascular disease and outcomes, anemia, mineral bone disease, serum and urine biomarkers, and international and inter-ethnic comparisons. The KNOW-CKD researchers will elaborate a prediction model for various outcomes of CKD such as the development of end-stage kidney disease, major adverse cardiovascular events, and death.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.79-86
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• 2024

Background: This study investigated the surgical outcomes associated with coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) in children. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 23 pediatric patients who underwent surgical closure of CAFs between 1995 and 2021. At presentation, 7 patients (30.4%) exhibited symptoms. Associated cardiac anomalies were present in 8 patients. Fourteen fistulas originated from the right coronary artery and 9 from the left. The most common drainage site was the right ventricle, followed by the right atrium and the left ventricle. The median follow-up duration was 9.3 years (range, 0.1-25.6 years) Results: The median age and body weight at repair were 3.1 years (range, 0-13.4 years) and 14.4 kg (range, 3.1-42.2 kg), respectively. Cardiopulmonary bypass was used in 17 cases (73.9%), while cardioplegic arrest was employed in 14 (60.9%). Epicardial CAF ligation was utilized in 10 patients (43.5%), the transcoronary approach in 9 (39.1%), the endocardial approach in 2 (8.7%), and other methods in 2 patients (8.7%). The application of cardioplegic arrest during repair did not significantly impact the duration of postoperative intensive care unit stay or overall hospital stay. One in-hospital death and 1 late death were recorded. The overall survival rate was 95.7% at 10 years and 83.7% at 15 years. A residual fistula was detected in 1 patient. During the follow-up period, no surviving patient experienced cardiovascular symptoms or coronary events. Conclusion: Surgical repair of CAF can be performed safely with or without cardioplegic arrest, and it is associated with a favorable prognosis in children.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.40 no.4 s.273
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• pp.280-287
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• 2007

Background: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical results of surgically managing patients with Ebstein's anomaly. Material and Method: Between Feb. f 984 and June 2006, 50 patients who underwent surgical treatment for Ebstein's anomaly at Yonsei Cardiovascular Center were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 26.9 years and 19 patients were male, Associated anomalies included atrial septal defect (33), patent ductus arteriosus (2), ventricular septal defect (1), and pulmonary stenosis (4), and 90%, (45/50) of the patients had more than a moderate degree of tricuspid regurgitation. Carpentier type A was present in 6 patients, type B in 26, type C in 14 and type D in 4. Ten patients were associated with WPW syndrome. Conservative surgery was possible in 31 patients (tricuspid annuloplasty, plication of the atrialized RV), Fontan's operation was peformed in 4 patients, tricuspid valve replacement was done in 12 and palliative surgery was done in 2 patients. Thirteen patients were associated with hi-directional cavopulmonary shunt (BCPS: one and a half ventricular repairs): 10 patients with WPW syndrome and 4 patients with atrial fibrillation underwent concomitant ablation. Result: The postoperative median NYHA functional class $(3{\rightarrow}1)$ and the mean cardio-thoracic ratio $(0.65{\rightarrow}0.59)$ were decreased significantly (p<0.001, p=0.014). The mean oxygen saturation $(86.6{\rightarrow}94.1%)$, and median TR grade $(4{\rightarrow}1)$ were also significantly improved (p=0.004, p<0.001). For comparison of BCPS and conservative surgery, the preoperative right ventricular pressure (33.0 vs. 41.3 mmHg), the ICU stay (2.80 vs. 1.89 days), the hospital say (10.6 vs. 16.8 days), and the left ventricular ejection fraction (64.3 vs. 72.8%) were statistically different. Postoperative mortality occurred in 3 patients (6%) due to biventricular failure in 2 patients and sepsis in the other patient. The mean follow up duration was 101.5 months, and one patient died of Fontan failure and 6 patients required reoperation (bioprosthetic degenerative change (2) and Fontan conversion (4)). The overall survival rate at 10 years was 90.2%, the freedom from reoperation rate and rate of cardiac related events were 78.9% and 49.2%, respectively. Conclusion: Surgical management of Ebstein's anomaly can be performed safely, and the associated BCPS may be helpful for high-risk patients. Adequate application of surgical management may increase the long-term survival with a reduced rate of reoperation.