• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
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• v.38 no.12
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• pp.971-974
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• 2014

A ventricular assist device (VAD) is used for bridge to heart transplantation and heart diseases. Knowing the status of a pneumatic pulsatile VAD when implanting it into the body is important: when the velocity of blood flow through the VAD is slow, a thrombus may occur, and thrombosis can be fatal to a patient. In order to determine the state of a VAD, various sensors need to be implanted. Because this introduces the risk of infection and difficulties with sensor management, we developed a method for estimating the state of a VAD indirectly via the pressure in an air tube that can be measured in vitro. We compared the measured values to in vitro experimental results. The estimated and measured values showed some errors, but the accuracy can be improved by refining the estimation process to minimize the risk of infection.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.451-459
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• 2021

Background: Lignocaine with adrenaline is routinely used as a local anesthetic for dental procedures. Adrenaline was added to increase the duration of anesthesia. However, epinephrine containing a local anesthetic solution is not recommended in conditions such as advanced cardiovascular diseases and hyperthyroidism. Recently, ropivacaine has gained popularity as a long-acting anesthetic with superior outcomes. The goal of this study was to assess and compare the effectiveness of 0.75% ropivacaine alone and 2% lignocaine with adrenaline (1:80,000) in the removal of bilateral maxillary wisdom teeth using the posterior superior alveolar nerve block technique. Methods: This was a single-blind, randomized, split-mouth, prospective study assessing 15 systemically sound outpatients who needed bilateral removal of maxillary third molars. We randomly allocated the sides and sequences of ropivacaine and lignocaine with adrenaline administration. We evaluated the efficacy of both anesthetics with regard to the onset of anesthesia, intensity of pain, variation in heart rate, and blood pressure. Results: The onset of anesthesia was faster with lignocaine (138 s) than with ropivacaine (168 s), with insignificant differences (p = 0.001). There was no need for additional local anesthetics in the ropivacaine group, while in the lignocaine with adrenaline group, 2 (13.3%) patients required additional anesthesia. Adequate intraoperative anesthesia was provided by ropivacaine and lignocaine solutions. No significant difference was observed in the perioperative variation in blood pressure and heart rate. Conclusion: Ropivacaine (0.75%) is a safe and an adrenaline-free local anesthetic option for posterior superior alveolar nerve block, which provides adequate intraoperative anesthesia and a stable hemodynamic profile for the removal of the maxillary third molar.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.188-193
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• 2015

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) testing is a test that precisely assesses cerebrovascular and coronary heart diseases. According to many previous studies, CIMT predicts atherosclerosis and is highly correlated to cardiovascular disease risk factors. It has also been reported that CIMT is an independent predictor of risk factors for myocardial infarction and stroke. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate CIMT and other independent factors through a correlation study with the clinical laboratory test results of a blood test. As a result, this study could not prove the correlation between CIMT and risk factors of cardiovascular disease (TC, TG, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol) due to an insufficient number of subjects. Nevertheless, a positive correlation was demonstrated between CIMT and ALT (p<0.05), GGT (p<0.05), Uric acid (p<0.05), and CEA (p<0.05) at a statistically significant level, suggesting a continuation of the study.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.55-61
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• 2008

Obesity is correlated with diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, cardiovascular, renal, neurologic, psychological and many other disease. Owing to the elevated income and behavioral changes, the prevalence of obesity has remarkably increased in Korea also. Considering the trend of the epidemic, we can easily expect the excessive spendings for the treatment of the obesity-related diseases in near future. In order to check the prevalence of obesity and serum lipid levels of Korean employees, we analyzed the medical check-up sample data of 10,332 adults who took physical check-ups at an institute in 2006. Through the logistic regression analysis we found the prevalence rate of total risk group showing ${\geq}23.0Kg/m^2$ was 57.4% and uric acid was found to be a definitive factor in the prevalence of obesity. Among the adults who eat more meat, drink more and smoke more smoking, the values of BMI, uric acid, cholesterol, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol and TG were significantly higher than rest of the examinees. And the average BMIs were significantly higher among those who have risk factors of liver disease, hypertension, cardiovascular and heart disease, and diabetes mellitus.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.137-159
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• 2021

Long-chain (LC) n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), in particular docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are nutrients involved in many metabolic and physiological processes, and are referred to as n-3 LCPUFA. They have been extensively studied for their effects in human nutrition and health. This paper provides an overview on metabolism, sources, dietary intake, and status of n-3 LCPUFA. A summary of the dietary recommendations for n-3 LCPUFAs for different age groups as well as specific physiological conditions is provided. Evidence for n-3 LCPUFA in cardiovascular diseases, including new studies, is reviewed. Expert recommendations generally support a beneficial effect of n-3 LCPUFA on cardiovascular health and recommend a daily intake of 500 mg as DHA and EPA, or 1-2 servings of fish per week. The role of n-3 LCPUFA on brain health, in particular neurodegenerative disorders and depression, is reviewed. The evidence for beneficial effects of n-3 LCPUFA on neurodegenerative disorders is non-conclusive despite mechanistic support and observational data. Hence, no definite n-3 LCPUFA expert recommendations are made. Data for the beneficial effect of n-3 LCPUFA on depression are generally compelling. Expert recommendations have been established: 200-300 mg/day for depression; up to 1-2 g/day for major depressive disorder. Recent studies support a beneficial role of n-3 LCPUFAs in reducing the risk for premature birth, with a daily intake of 600-800 mg of DHA during pregnancy. Finally, international experts recently reviewed the scientific evidence on DHA and arachidonic acid (ARA) in infant nutrition and concluded that the totality of data support that infant and follow-on formulas should provide both DHA and ARA at levels similar to those in breast milk. In conclusion, the available scientific data support that dietary recommendations for n-3 LCPUFA should be established for the general population and for subjects with specific physiological conditions.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.512-521
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• 2023

Objective: There is increasing recognition that left atrial (LA) strain can be a prognostic marker of various cardiac diseases. However, its prognostic value in acute myocarditis remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived parameters of LA strain can predict outcomes in patients with acute myocarditis. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 47 consecutive patients (44.2 ± 18.3 years; 29 males) with acute myocarditis who underwent CMR in 13.5 ± 9.7 days (range, 0-31 days) of symptom onset. Various parameters, including feature-tracked CMR-derived LA strain, were measured using CMR. The composite endpoints included cardiac death, heart transplantation, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator or pacemaker implantation, rehospitalization following a cardiac event, atrial fibrillation, or embolic stroke. The Cox regression analysis was performed to identify associations between the variables derived from CMR and the composite endpoints. Results: After a median follow-up of 37 months, 20 of the 47 (42.6%) patients experienced the composite events. In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, LA reservoir and conduit strains were independent predictors of the composite endpoints, with an adjusted hazard ratio per 1% increase of 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84-0.96; P = 0.002) and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.84-0.98; P = 0.013), respectively. Conclusion: LA reservoir and conduit strains derived from CMR are independent predictors of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocarditis.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.256-261
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• 1996

Carotenoids are abundant int he Korean food supply. The intake of foods rich in carotenoids appears to be associated with optimal health, and a reduction in the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration and cataract formation. Specific dietary carotenoids may be responsible for these specific protective effects. Hydrocarbon carotenoids such as $\alpha$-,$\beta$-carotenes and lycopene may reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, whereas oxygenated carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, may be important in protection of the eye. Dietary carotenoids, such as lutein, cryptoxanthin, $\alpha$-carotene, $\beta$-carotene and lycopene can be readily obtained from the diet, Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli, contain both oxygenated and hydrocarbon carotenoids ; yellow or orange vegetables, such as carrots, have high levels of $\alpha$-carotene and $\beta$-carotene ; and tomatoes contain high amounts of lycopene. Besides being important vitamin A sources, provitamin A carotenoids such as $\alpha$-carotene, $\beta$-carotene and cryptoxanthin, participate in the cell defense systems that are associated with radical quenching. Non-provitamin A carotenoids, such as lutein and lycopene, major carotenoids in human plasma, have also been reported to possess strong antioxidant capability. The alteration of dietary sources of carotenoids can modify their levels in the circulation and target tissues, and thus prevent or delay the onset of these chronic diseases.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.81-88
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• 1975

Up to October 31, 1975, 34 cases of atrial septal defect, secundum type, operated in this department, were presented. This is 23.2% of all congenital heart diseases, operated utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass, in this department during this period [34 out of 146]. Out of 34 cases, 32 cases are pure ostium secundum type and one case is sinus venosus and another one is ostium secundum type with partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage. Six cases of endocardial cushion defect and 3 cases of trilogy of Fallot are excluded in this report. All 34 cases are repaired under direct vision utilizing extracorporeal circulation. Among 34 cases of atrial septal defect, 16 cases are male, and 18 cases are female. Their ages range between 3 to 48 years, but over 59% of the cases are below the ages of 20 years. Thirty-two cases are repaired by direct sutures while 2 cases are repaired with Teflon patches. The average perfusion time is 30 minutes; the shortest 12 and the longest 81 minutes. The number of the defect is single in 31 cases, double in 2 cases, triple in one case. But the associated defect except the main defect are so small as can be closed by simple direct suture. The size of the defect is average $12cm^2$; the smallest 0.7 and the largest $25cm^2$. The surgical mortality is 2 cases [5.6%] and other cases are found to be excellent in the follow up studies.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.325-332
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• 1990

Complications of the mediastinal tumors and cysts are malignant change, infection, bleeding, local invasion and mass effect to heart, lung and other mediastinal structures. But early surgical excision and proper treatments bring patients to good clinical course and results. Therefore mediastinal tumors and cysts are surgically interesting diseases We report the analysis of the 58 cases of mediastinal tumors and cysts, experienced in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery of the Kosin Medical College from July 1979 to June 1989. The results were as follows ; Sex ratio of male to female to female was 1.3: 1. Range of age was from 11 to 64 years and mean age was 34.3 years. The thymomas were 14 cases[24%], the teratomas were 19 cases[33%o], the neurogenic tumors were 10 cases[17%], the cysts were 9 cases[15%], the carcinomas were 3 cases[5%], the thyroid tumor was 1 case[2%], the Castleman’s disease was 1 case[2%] and unclassified tumor was 1 case[2%]. Malignant tumors were 12 cases [21%] of the 58 cases. Most frequent symptom was chest pain and discomfort and relationship of symptom and malignancy was significant. Complete removal of tumor was performed on the 47 cases[92%] and partial excision was 3 cases[6%]. Inoperable cases were treated with anticancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Postoperative complications were wound infection, Homer’s syndrome, phrenic nerve palsy, mediastinal hematoma and pleurisy. There was no case of postoperative mortality and good clinical course in surgically completely resected cases.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.91-96
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• 1983

A study was carried out to observe the clinical progress and results after modified Blalock-Taussing shunts on II patients with cyanotic complex heart diseases unsuitable for corrective surgery. The operation was performed by interposing a vascular prosthesis [PTEE] between the left subclavian artery and the left pulmonary artery. Vascular prostheses larger than the diameter of left subclavian artery were selected. The results were as follows: 1. The postoperative courses in 10 patients were uneventful without any complications. One patient died of low cardiac output syndrome immediate postoperatively. 2. The average value of RBC count before operations was 751.2291.68 [xl00]/cubic mm. It was decreased to 588.11 90.45 [xl 0,000]/cubic mm. After the operation. 3. The average value of Hemoglobin before operations was 20.07 3.01 mg/dl. The value was decreased to 15.361.68mg/dl after the operation. 4. The value of Hematocrit before operations was 62.878.89%. The value was decreased to 49.6 5.84% 5. Patency after the shunt operations using PTFE was good for maximal 16 months follow-up period. 6. The physiological impairment like anoxic spells, degree of cyanosis and other clinical symptoms were markedly improved after the shunt operations. Although a longer follow-up seems to be necessary to assess the validity of these shunts, the early results were encouraging.