• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.155-162
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• 2006

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a critical disease with higher rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality due to myocardial ischemia and infarction. There is glowing interest in how to determine high-risk patients who are candidates for screening testing. This study was performed to evaluate the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in diabetic patients detected by Tc-99m MIBI myocardial perfusion SPECT (MPS) and to assess risk factors of CAD and cardiac hard events. Subjects and Methods: 203 diabetic patients (64 male, mean age $64.1{\pm}9.0$ years) who underwent MPS were included between Jan 2000 and July 2004. Cardiac death and nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) were considered as hard events, and coronary angioplasty and bypass surgery >60 days after testing were considered as soft events. The mean follow-up period was $36{\pm}18$ months. Patients underwent exercise (n=6) or adenosine stress (n=197) myocardial perfusion SPECT. Results: Perfusion defects on MPS were detected in 28.6% (58/203) of the patients. There was no cardiac death but 11 hard events were observed. The annual cardiac hard event rate was 1.1%. In univariate analysis of clinical factors, typical anginal pain, peripheral vascular disease, peripheral polyneuropathy, and resting ECG abnormality were significantly associated with the ocurrence of hard events. Anginal pain, peripheral vascular disease, and resting ECG abnormality remained independent predictors of nonfatal MIs with multivariate analysis. Abnormal SPECT results were significantly associated with high prevalence of hard events but not independent predictors on uni- and multivariate analyses. Conclusion: Patients who were male, had longer diabetes duration (especially over 20 years), peripheral vascular disease, peripheral polyneuropathy, or resting ECG abnormality had higher incidence of CAD. Among clinical factors in diabetic patients, typical angina, peripheral vascular disease, peripheral polyneuropathy, and resting ECG abnormality were strong predictors of hard events.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.40 no.3 s.272
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• pp.200-208
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• 2007

Background: The effect of patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) on the clinical outcome following aortic valve replacement (AVR) remains controversial. This study compared the surgical outcomes of AVR between patients with a patient-prosthesis mismatch and those having undergone an aortic annular enlargement. Material and Method: Six hundred and twenty seven adult patients, who underwent AVR with stented bioprosthetic or mechanical valves, between January 1996 and February 2006, were evaluated. PPM was defined as an indexed effective orifice area (iEOA) ${\leq}0.85cm^2/m^2$, and Severe if the iEOA${\leq}0.65cm^2/m^2$ PPM was present in 103 (16.4%, PPM group) patients, and severe in 11 (1.8%, SPPM group). During the period of the study, 21 patients underwent an AVR with annular enlargement (AE group). Result: The mean iEOA of the AE group was larger than that of the PPM group ($0.95\;vs.\;0.76cm^2/m^2,\;p=0.00$). The AE group had longer CPB, ACC and operation times than the PPM group, and showed a tendency toward higher operative mortality (14.3% vs. 2.9%, p=0.06). The SPPM group had higher AV pressure gradients (peak/mean) than the AE group (72/45 mmHg vs. 38/25 mmHg, p=0.02/0.06) and suffered more AV related events (AV reoperation or severe aortic stenosis)(45.5% vs. 9.5%, p=0.03). LV masses were not regressed in the patients who experienced an AV related event. Conclusion: During AVR in patients with a small aortic annulus, annular enlargement should be carefully applied taking into account the high risk of operative mortality due to annular enlargement and co-morbidities of patients. Aortic annular enlargement; however, should be considered as an alternative method in patients expected to have a severe PPM after an AVR.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.309-315
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• 2003

Background: To avoid the adverse effects of cardiopulmonary bypass and to overcome late vein graft failure we routinely peformed off-pump total arterial coronary revascularization. Material and Method: From July 2000 to August 2001, 104 consecutive patients underwent first elective off-pump total arterial coronary revascularization. Both internal mammary, radial and gastroepiploic arteries were used. Sequential and composite grafts were used to achieve complete revascularization. Perioperative adverse events and postoperative angiograms were analyzed. Result: A total of 252 arterial conduits were used with an average of 2.47 grafts per patient. A total of 326 distal anastomosis were performed with a mean of 3.13 distal anastomosis per patient. Cross over to on-pump occurred in seven patients (6.7%). Of these 4 were due to unstable hemodynamics during lateral or posterior wall stabilization as a result of cardiomegaly and 3 were due to uncontrolled bleeding during dissection of diffusely dimunitive deeply placed intramyocardial coronary arteries. There were no opeartive deaths. Two cases of perioperative myocardial infarction and transient neurologic complications occurred, respectively. Of the 312 distal anastomoses, 308 (98.7%) were compatible with Fitz-Gibboll A or B patency grading. Conclusion: Off-pump total arterial coronary revascularization was technically feasible in most elective cases with satisfactory early results. However, on-pump coronary bypass surgery should be considered in difficult circumstances, such as cardiomegaly or unfavorable anatomy of the target coronary artery.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.2 s.70
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• pp.66-79
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• 2007

Objectives : To explore the type and frequency of short term reactions, de Qi associated with acupuncture treatment and to determine the incidence of adverse events following acupuncture in Korea. Subjects and methods : This study is a retrospective and cross-sectional survey of patient reports. 1095 subjects, 585 of out-patients of the Oriental Medicine of Stroke & Neurological Disorders Center, East-West NEO Medical Center of Kyunghee University and 510 of out-patients of the Department of Cardiovascular & Neurologic Diseases (Stoke Center), Hospital of Oriental Medicine, Kyunghee Medical Center, from June through November of 2006, who had acupuncture, gave informed consent and completed one survey form. On this form, patients were asked to report short term acupuncture reactions, de Qi, patient satisfaction measurement (using VAS), and adverse events relating to acupuncture treatment. The acupuncturists of this study are Korean Medicine Doctors (KMD) who had worked as practitioners for 3-30 years or more. Results : The average age of the 1095 subjects was 58 years old. Positive short term acupuncture reactions after treatment were reported by 878 (80.2%), negative short term acupuncture reactions by 75 (6.8%) and no reactions were reported by 142 (13.0%). The most common positive short term acupuncture reactions were feeling 'relaxed', 472 (43.1%), followed by feeling 'less pain' 90 (8.2%), 'energized' 16 ( 1.5%), 'tingling' 16 (1.5%), 'heat feeling or Cold feeling' 10 (0.9%), and others 274 (25.0%), respectively. Negative short term acupuncture reactions were feeling 'pain' 37 (3.4%), tiredness 24 (2.2%), dizziness 9 (0.8%), and others 5 (0.2%), respectively. Traditionally described needling sensations of de Qi refer to a patient's response to distention, pulling, soreness, heaviness, numbness. 39.7% of subjects reported de Qi during needling, experiencing 'distention' 333 (30.4%), 'soreness' 52 (4.7%), 'pulling' 22 (2.0%), 'heaviness' 18 (1.6%), and 'numbness' 10 (0.9%) respectively. Positive short term acupuncture reactions and de Qi rate were the highest in the less than 40 years group (83/96 86.5%, 50/96 52.1%). No acupuncture reactions were highly seen in the over 70 years old group (31/187, 16.6%). Patient satisfaction level using VAS was a comparatively high $72.9{\pm}19.9$. Adverse events were only bleeding in 92 (8.4%) of the total subjects. High sensitive acupoints were 95 points as GV26 (54 times), LI4 (54 times), ST36 (53 times), GB20 (37 times), HT8(34 times), LV3 (29 times), SI3 (29 times), and LI11 (27 times) in order. Main impressions were stroke patients 430 (16.9%), headache 185 (16.9%), hypertension 97 (8.9%), and dizziness 85 (7.8%). Conclusions : Although 8 different Korean Medicine Doctors participated in this research, we obtained similar results from each. There were no significantly different results between the two hospitals. Short term acupuncture reactions and de Qi were most related to age. Except for bleeding there were no adverse events relating to acupuncture treatment in this study. We consider acupuncture treatment as very safe depending on practitioners. Positive short term acupuncture reactions after treatment were 12 times higher than negative short term acupuncture reactions. Subjects were comparatively satisfied with acupuncture treatment.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.199-212
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• 1983

The inhibition/influences of adenine compounds on the heart have been described repeatedly by many investigators, since the first report by Druny and Szent-Gyorgyi [1929]. These studies have shown that adenosine and adenine nucleotides have an over-all effect similar to that of acetylcholine [ACh] by slowing and weakening the heartbeat. The basic cellular and membrane events underlying the inhibitory action of adenosine on sinus rate, however, are not well understood. Furthermore, the physiological role of adenosine in regulation of the heartbeat remains still to be elucidated. Therefore, this study was undertaken in order to examine the response of rabbit SA node to adenosine and to compare the response to that of ACh. Isolated SA node preparation, whole atrial pair, or left atrlal strip was used in each experiment. Action potentials of SA node were recorded through the intracellular glass microelectrodes, which were filled with 3M KCI and had resistance of 30-50 M. All experiments were performed in a bicarbonate-buffered Tyrode solution which was aerated with 3% $CO_2-97%$ $O_2$ gas mixture and kept at $35^{\circ}C$. Spontaneous firing rate of SA node at 35C [Mean + SEM, n=16] was 154 + 3.3 beats/min. The parameters of action potentials were: maximum astolic potential [MDP], -731.7mV: overshoot [OS], 9 + 1.4mV; slope of pacemaker potential [SPP], 94 3.0mV/sec.Adenosine suppressed the firing rate of SA node in a dose dependent manner. This inhibitory effect appeared at the concentration of $10^{-6}M$ and was potentiated in parallel with the increase in adenosine concentration. Changes in action potential by adenosine were dose-dependent increase of MDP and decrease of SPP until $10^{-4}$. Above this concentration, however, the amplitude of action potential decreased markedly due to the simultaneous decrease of both MDP and OS. All these effects of adenosine were not affected by pretreatment of atropine [2mg/l] and propranolol [$5{\times}10^{-6}M$]. ACh [$10^{-6}M$] responses on action potential were similar to those of adenosine by increasing MDP and decreasing SPP. These effects of ACh disappeared by pretreatment of atropine [2mg/1]. Inhibition/effects of adenosine and ACh on sinus rate were enhanced synergistically with the simultaneous administration of adenosine and ACh. Marked decrease of overshoot potential was the most prominent feature on action potential. Dipyridamole [DPM], which is known to block the adenosine transport across cell membrane, definitely potentiated the action of adenosine . Adenosine suppressed the sinus rate and atrial contractility in the same dosage range, even in the reserpinized preparation. Above` results suggest that adenosine suppresses pacemaker activity, like ACh, by acting directly on the membrane of SA node, increasing MDP and decreasing SPP.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.607-622
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• 2004

Recently epidemiologic studies have indicated that the patients with periodontitis may have increased risk of ischemic cardiovascular events, and have suggested the important roles of blood cytokines and acute reactant proteins in the systemic infection and inflammatory response. Periodontitis and coronary heart disease (CHD) may share the common risk factors and the genetic mechanism associated with interleukin(IL)-1A, B and RA genotype may be involved in the production of IL-1. This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between angiographically defined CHD and periodontitis as chronic Gram-negative bacterial infection and to determine whether the IL-1 gene polymorphism is associated in both diseases. Patients under the age of 60 who had undergone diagnostic coronary angiography were enrolled in this study. Subjects were classified as positive CHD (+CHD, n=37) with coronary artery stenosis more than 50% in at least one of major epicardial arteries, and negative CHD (-CHD, n=30) without significant stenosis. After recording the number of missing teeth, periodontal disease severity was measured by means of plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and radiographic bone loss around all remaining teeth. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected from the 4 deepest periodontal pockets and assessed for cytokine ($IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-1ra, tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$, and prostaglandin $E_2$). Additionally, blood CHD markers, lipid profile, and blood cytokines were analyzed. IL-1 gene cluster genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction and enzyme restriction using genomic DNA from buccal swab, and allele 2 frequencies of IL-1A(+4845), IL-1B(+3954), IL-B(-511), and IL-1RA(intron 2) were compared between groups. Even though there was no significant difference in the periodontal parameters between 2 groups, GCF level of $PGE_2$ was significantly higher in the +CHD group(p<0.05). Correlation analysis showed the positive relationship among PD, CAL and coronary artery stenosis(%) and blood $PGE_2$. There was also significant positive relationship between the periodontal parameters (PI, PD, CAL) and the blood CHD markers (leukocyte count, C-reactive protein, and lactic dehyrogenase). IL-1 gene genotyping showed that IL-1A(+3954) allele 2 frequency was significantly higher in the +CHD group compared with the -CHD group (15% vs. 3.3%, OR 5.118,p=0.043). These results suggested that periodontal inflammation is related to systemic blood cytokine and CHD markers, and contributes to cardiovascular disease via systemic inflammatory reaction. IL-1 gene polymorphism might have an influence on periodontal and coronary heart diseases in Korean patients.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.53 no.8
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• pp.535-547
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VAECMO) as a bridge to eventual heart transplantation (HT) is increasingly used worldwide. However, the effect of different VA-ECMO types on HT outcomes remains unclear. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of 111 patients receiving VA-ECMO and awaiting HT. We assessed 3 ECMO configuration groups: peripheral (n=76), central (n=12), and peripheral to central ECMO conversion (n=23). Cox proportional hazards regression and landmark analysis were conducted to analyze the effect of the ECMO configuration on HT and in-hospital mortality rates. We also evaluated adverse events during ECMO support. Results: HT was performed in the peripheral (n=48, 63.2%), central (n=10, 83.3%), and conversion (n=11, 47.8%) ECMO groups (p=0.133) with a median interval of 10.5, 16, and 30 days, respectively (p<0.001). The cumulative incidence of HT was significantly lower in the conversion group (hazard ratio, 0.292, 95% confidence interval, 0.145-0.586, p=0.001). However, there was no difference in in-hospital mortality (log-rank p=0.433). In the landmark analysis, in-hospital mortality did not differ significantly among the 3 groups. Although we did note a trend toward lower HT in the conversion group, the difference was not statistically significant. Surgical site bleeding occurred mainly in the central, while limb ischemia occurred mainly in the peripheral groups. Conclusions: We suggest that if patients are being stably supported with their initial ECMO configuration, whether it is central or peripheral, it should be maintained, and ECMO conversion should only be cautiously performed when necessary.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.63-72
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of raloxifene in prevention of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted. Data sources: The existing literature from 1986 to 2009 was searched electronically using the data base of Medline with the key words of hypertension, obesity, diabetes, cholesterol, lipid, myocardial infarction, coronary events with combination of raloxifene. Study selection: The criteria for inclusion in the review were 1) an randomized clinical trial (RCT), 2) postmenopausal women, 3) English or Korean language. Finally, 15 articles were included in the review. Data extraction: Findings from the studies were organized according to the results of lipid profile changes by two authors. Results: Among 15 articles, 12 studies reported the beneficial effects of raloxifene on LDL cholesterol and 9 studies on total cholesterol in the postmenopausal women. Conclusion: The consistent results on reduction of LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol in raloxifene using postmenopausal women were confirmed. However, the effect of raloxifene on other components of lipid profile and endothelial function were still remaining controversial.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.93-96
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• 2016

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) has negative effects on health, including increased mortality, risk of cardiovascular disease, and neurocognitive difficulties. OSAS is common in obese patients and obesity is an important risk factor of OSAS. A 41-year-old female OSAS patient with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] ${\geq}35$) who failed dietary weight loss underwent bariatric surgery. After surgery, there were improvements in BMI (from 36.9 to $31.7kg/m^2$) and polysomnographic data, including the apnea-hypopnea index (from 25.1 to 11.2 events/hr) and minimum SaO2 (from 69 to 82%). This case demonstrates that bariatric surgery may be an effective therapeutic option to reduce sleep-disordered breathing in severely obese patients with moderate OSAS. Bariatric surgery as a treatment option for OSAS should be considered in OSAS patients with severe obesity who failed dietary weight loss.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.333-337
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• 2018

Background: Pinch-off syndrome (POS) is a rare complication after totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD) implantation. In cancer patients, it is important to prevent this rare complication and to recognize it early if it does occur. We present a case series of POS after TIVAD implantation and the results of a literature search about this complication. Methods: From July 2006 to December 2015, 924 permanent implantable central venous catheter implantation procedures were performed. The most common indication was vascular access for chemotherapy. Results: POS occurred in 5 patients in our clinic. Two patients experienced POS within 2 weeks, and the other 3 patients were admitted to department of surgery, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine at 6 to 14 months following implantation. The catheters were found to be occluded during medication administration, and all patients complained of serious pain. The transected fragments of the catheters had migrated to the heart. They were successfully removed under angiography with a single-loop snare. Conclusion: POS is a serious complication after TIVAD implantation. It is important to be aware of this possibility and to make an early diagnosis in order to prevent complications such as drug extravasation and occlusion events.