• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.11-25
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• 1998

The HLA genes located in the short arm of chromosome 6 specify heterodimeric glycoproteins involved in the regulation of the immune response. Recently, in the elucidation of HLA polymorphism, serological and cellular typing methods have been replaced by DNA typing using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The purpose of this study was to establish the HLA DNA typing methods and determine gene frequencies of HLA molecules in Koreans. PCR-SSP (sequence specific primers) and PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) techniques were used for the analysis of HLA-A, -B, -C, DRBl genes and HLA-DQAl, DQBl, DPBl genes, respectively. The results of B-lymphoblastoid cells used for control experiment were consistent with the previous data identified in the 11th International Histocompatibility Workshop. Seventeen, 23, 16, 8, 16, 13 and 37 types of HLA-A, B, C, DQAl, DQBl, DPBl and DRBl alleles were found, respectively, in a total of unrelated 120 Korean individuals. The most frequent HLA alleles were $A^*$02 (27.0%), B$^*$40 (17.6%), Cw$^*$01 (19.2%), DQAl$^*$0301 (32.1%), DQBl$^*$0303 (12.9%), DPBl$^*$0501 (31.3%) and DRBl$^*$1501 (9.2%) among Koreans. This study shows that DNA typing method using PCR technique is a relatively simple, fast and practical tool for the determination of the HLA-class I and II genes. Moreover, the data of HLA gene frequencies could be useful for the Korean database before clinical applications, including organ and unrelated bone marrow transplantation, anthropological study, disease association and individual identification.

• Research in Plant Disease
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.72-80
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• 2016

Gummy stem blight, caused by the fungus Didymella bryoniae, is major disease of watermelons worldwide. The objective of the present study was to establish an efficient screening system to identify watermelon resistant to D. bryoniae. An GSB3 isolate was prepared from a watermelon plant showing typical symptoms of gummy stem blight in Haman-gun and identified as D. bryoniae based on molecular analysis of internal transcribed spacer sequence. A simple mass-production technique of inoculum was developed based on spore production of D. bryoniae GSB3 under several incubation conditions and their virulence on watermelon plants. Resistance degrees of 22 commercial watermelon cultivars to the GSB3 isolate were evaluated. Among them, four watermelon cultivars showing different degree of resistance response were selected for further study. Development of disease on the cultivars according to various conditions including inoculum concentrations, incubation periods in dew chamber, and incubation temperatures was investigated. From the results, we suggest an efficient screening method for resistant watermelon cultivars to gummy stem blight. Seeds of watermelon cultivar are sown and grown in a greenhouse until plant stage of 2-fully expanded leaves. Seedlings are inoculated with D. bryoniae by spraying spore suspension of the fungus at a concentration of $5.0{\times}10^5spores/ml$. The infected plants are incubated in humidity chamber at $25^{\circ}C$ for 48 hours and then transferred to a growth chamber at $25^{\circ}C$ and 80% relative humidity with 12-hour light a day. Three to four days after inoculation, disease severity of the plant are measured using percentage of infected leaf area.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2003

Time domain reflectometry (TDR) is a newly developed method for measuring simultaneously solute concentrations and volumetric water content of soil. Bulk electrical conductivity ($EC_a$) of soil is obtained from TDR signal using several equations proposed, and electrical conductivity of soil solution ($EC_w$) can be calculated using the linear relationship $EC_a=EC_w\theta(a\theta+b)+EC_s$ between $EC_a$ and $EC_w$ at constant soil water content. The objectives of this study were to evaluate $EC_a$ proposed by several workers and to obtain the empirical constants (a, b, and $EC_s$) for $EC_w$ of the soils from A, Bl, and B2 horizon of an agricultural field (Coarse loamy, Fluvaquentic Eutrudepts). The $EC_a$ proposed by Yanuka et al. responded most sensitively to the KCl solute concentrations. The empirical constants of a, b, and $EC_s$ for $EC_w$ were -0.249, 1.358, and 0.054 for A horizon, -2.518, 2.708, and 0.097 for Bl horizon, and 2.490, -0.250, and 0.103 for B2 horizon, respectively. Therefore, the results of this study showed that Yanuka et al. equation was most useful one in determining $EC_a$, from TDR signal for agricultural soil with low salinity and that the empirical constants for the calculation of $EC_w$, from $EC_a$ can be obtained through a simple calibration experiment.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 1976

The present. study reports four cases of congenital heart diseases, who received open heart surgery by the Sarn's Heart-Lung-Machine in the department of Thoracic Surgery, Hanyang University Hospital during the period between July 1975 and May 1976. The Heart-Lung-Machine consisted of the Sarn's five head roller pump motor system (model 5000), heat exchanger, bubble trap, the Rygg-Kyvsgaard oxygenator, and monitors. The priming of pump oxygenator was carried out by the hemodilution method using Hartman's solution and whole blood. Of the four cases of the heart diseases, three whose body weight were below 30kg, received the partial hemodilution priming and the remaining one whose body weight was 52kg received the total hemodilution priming with Hartman's solution alone. The rate of hemodilution was in the average of 60.5ml/kg. Extracorporeal circulation was performed at the perfusion flow rate of the average 94.0ml/kg/min, and at the moderate hypothermia between 35'5"C and 30'5"C of the rectal temperature. In the total cardiopulmonary bypass, arterial blood pressure was anged between 30 mmHg and 85 mmHg, generally maintaining over 60 mmHg and venous pressure was measured between 4 and $23cmH_2O$, generally maintaining below $10cmH_2O$. The first case: The patient, a nine year old girl having the symptoms and physical signs typical to cardiac anomaly was definitely diagnosed as isolated pulmonary stenosis through the cardiac catheterization. There was, however, no cyanosis, no pathological finding by X-ray and E.C.G. tracings. The valvulotomy was performed through the arteriotomy of pulmouary artery under the total cardiopulmonary bypass. Postoperative course of the patient was uneventful, and murmur and the clinical symptoms disappeared. The second case: A 12 year old boy with congenital heart anomaly was positively identified as having ventricular septal defect through the cardiac catheterization. As in the case with the first case, the patient exhibited the symptoms and physical signs typical to cardiac anomaly, but no pathological abnormality by X-ray and E.C.G. tracings. The septal defect was localized on atrioventricular canal and was 2 by 10 mm in size. The septal defect was closed by direct simple sutures under the cardiopulmonary bypass. Postoperative hemodynamic study revealed that the pressure of the right ventricle and pulmonary artery were decreased satisfactory. Postoperative course of the patient was uneventful, and murmur and the clinical symptoms disappeared. The third case: The patient, a 19 year old girl had been experienced the clinical symptoms typical to cardiac anomaly for 16 years. The pink tetralogy of Fallot was definitey diagnosed through the cardiac catheterization. The patient was placed on an ablolute bed rest prior to the operation because of severe exertional dyspnea, fatigability, and frequent syncopal attacks. However, she exhibited very slight cyanosis. Positive findings were noted on E.C.G. tracings and blood picture, but no evidence of pathological abnormality on X-ray was observed. All of the four surgical approaches such as Teflon patch closure (3 by 4cm in size) of ventricular septal defect, myocardial resection of right ventricular outflow tract, valvulotomy of pulmonary valvular stenosis, and pericardial patch closing of ventriculotomy wound were performed in 95 minutes under the cardiopulmonary bypass. Postoperative hemodynamic study revealed that the pressure of the right ventricle was decreased and pulmonary artery was increased satisfactorily. Postoperative course of the patient was uneventful, and murmur and the clinical symptoms disappeared. The fourth case: The patient, a 7 1/4 year old girl had the symptoms of cardiac anomaly for only three years prior to the operation. She was positively identified as having acyanotic tetralogy of Fallot by open heart surgery. The patient showed positive findings by X-ray and E.C.G. tracings, but exhibited no cyanosis and normal blood picture. All of the three surgical approaches, such a myocardial resection of hypertrophic sight ventricular outflow tract, direct suture closing of ventricular septal defect and pericardial patch closing of ventriculotomy wound were carried out in 110 minutes under the cardiopulmonary bypass. Postoperative hemodynamic study revealed that the pressure of the right ventricle was decreased and pulmonary artery was increased satisfactorily. Postoperative course of the patient was uneventful, and the symptoms disappeared.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.350-354
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• 2009

Background: Complicated pleural space occupying lesions (SOL) have been treated by thoracentesis, closed thoracotomy drainage (CTD) or surgical intervention with using a video thoracosocpe or open thoracotomy depending on the extent of the disease. With the development of video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), VATS pleural adhesiolysis and decortication have revealed good results as compared to those for open thorcotomy. To assess the effectiveness of VATS pleural adhesiolysis and decortication, we retrospectively analyzed the medical record and radiologic findings of the patients with complicated pleural SOL and who were treated by this surgery. Material and Method: From May 1996 to April 2006, 64 patients (mean age: 41.8 years) with complicated pleural SOL underwent 65 VATS. To analyze the surgical outcome, we classified the postoperative findings on the simple chest X-rays into 4 classes as Class I: no or minimal pleural lesion, Class II: blunting of the cardiophrenic angle and mild pleural thickening, Class III: an elevated diaphgram or persistent lung collapse and Class IV: complicated or recurrent effusion. Result: Before VATS, the patients underwent the diagnostic or therapeutic procedures: single or repeat diagnostic tapping for 41, thoracoscotomy drainage for 11, pigtail catheter drainage for 10 and intrapleural fibrinolytics for 10. The mean duration between the onset of symptom and surgery was 18.4 days. There was neither mortality nor severe complications. The surgical outcomes were class 1 for 28, class 2 for 13, class 3 for 19 and class 4 for 5. There were statistically significant differences between the symptom duration and the classes, and between the operation time and the classes. Conclusion: VATS pleural adhesiolysis and decortication are effective, safe treatments for managing complicated pleural SOL, and an earlier operation is needed for obtaining a better surgical outcome.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.253-260
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• 2010

Most brachytherapy treatment planning systems employ a dosimetry formalism based on the AAPM TG-43 report which does not appropriately consider tissue heterogeneity. In this study we aimed to set up a simple Monte Carlo-based intracavitary high-dose-rate brachytherapy (IC-HDRB) plan verification platform, focusing particularly on the robustness of the direct Monte Carlo dose calculation using material and density information derived from CT images. CT images of slab phantoms and a uterine cervical cancer patient were used for brachytherapy plans based on the Plato (Nucletron, Netherlands) brachytherapy planning system. Monte Carlo simulations were implemented using the parameters from the Plato system and compared with the EBT film dosimetry and conventional dose computations. EGSnrc based DOSXYZnrc code was used for Monte Carlo simulations. Each $^{192}Ir$ source of the afterloader was approximately modeled as a parallel-piped shape inside the converted CT data set whose voxel size was $2{\times}2{\times}2\;mm^3$. Bracytherapy dose calculations based on the TG-43 showed good agreement with the Monte Carlo results in a homogeneous media whose density was close to water, but there were significant errors in high-density materials. For a patient case, A and B point dose differences were less than 3%, while the mean dose discrepancy was as much as 5%. Conventional dose computation methods might underdose the targets by not accounting for the effects of high-density materials. The proposed platform was shown to be feasible and to have good dose calculation accuracy. One should be careful when confirming the plan using a conventional brachytherapy dose computation method, and moreover, an independent dose verification system as developed in this study might be helpful.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.27-35
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• 2002

Background: A perioperative myocardial infarction(PMI) is one of the major complications after CABG. Among diagnostic methods of PMI, CK-MB activity assays have been increasingly replaced by CK-MB mass assays, which have more sensitive, simple measurement. Also, new cardiac-specific and -sensitive marker, cardiac troponin I(cTnl), has been shown to be a marker of myocardial infarction. We report our evaluation of clinical significance of CK-MB mass and cTnl as a marker of PMI after CABG. Material and Method: We studied 32 patients who underwent CABG at Kangdong Sacred Hospital between April 2000 and April 2001. Postoperative serum CK-MB activity level, serum CK-MB mass, cTnl, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and clinical data were recorded prospectively The diagnosis of PMI was defined as positive 2 among 3 or all of the following , by a new Q wave on the electrocardiogram, by serum CK-MB activity higher than 200 lU/L within 72 hours after operation, and by new regional wall motion abnormality on the echocardiogram. Result: After CABG, 3 patients had sustained a PMI according to current diagnostic criteria. As serum CK-MB activity time course, a level of CK-MB activity 12 hours after CABG had very linear correlated significance with serum CK-MB mass 24hours(R=0.946) and cTnl 48 hours(R=0.933) after CABG(p=0.000). As we used a receiver operating characteristics curve(ROC curve) for a diagnostic cutoff value in patients with PMI, serum CK-MB mass levels higher than 30.05 ug/L 24 hours after CABG detected the presence of PMI with an area under the ROC curve of 1.0, a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100%, and a negative predictive value of 100%. Also serum cTnl levels higher than 17.15 ug/L 48 hours after CABG detected the presence of PMI with an area under the ROC curve of 0.98, a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 96.6%, a positive preclictive value of 75%, and a negative predictive value of 100% Conclusion: We concluded that both the measurement of CK-MB mass and cTnl are the easier, accurate methods as a diagnostic marker of PMT after CABG, also as a proposal of diagnostic cutoff value enables to an early detection of PMI. However, a 1arger number of patient will be needed because of statistic limitation that a small number of participating patients, a small number of PMI.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.290-295
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• 2002

Backgroud: Pneumonectomy carries the possibility of numerous dangerous complications as well as the vast effect the operation itself has on the cardiopulmonary function. Most of operations are done with the insertion of the chest tubes upon completion, but because of the high incidence of pyothorax as its complications, we have tried to analyze and compare the cases without inserting the chest tubes. Material and Method: During a 5 year period from January, 1996 to December 2000, 100 cases, which were operated at the Hanyang University Hospital, were selected using the patient's charts. The age, gender, indication of operation, associated diseases, and operation site(left or right) were classified accordingly and the postoperative complications and mortality were statistically analyzed using the $\chi$ 2-test. After resecting the lung, the intrathoracic pressure was set at -15 ~ -20cm $H_2O$ using the nelaton catheter, and the thoracotomy site was then closed. The gradual collection of the fluid and blood in the thorax of the operated side, as well as the mediastinum location, were observed carefully for 4~5 days postoperatively with the aid of the simple chest x-rays. Result: Of the 100 cases, 16 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis(16%), 81 cases of lung tumor(81%), 2 cases of bronchiectasis(2%), and 1 case of aspergilloma associated bronchiectasis were noted. There were 8 mortality cases(8%), and of the 34 cases(34%), 44 complications were noted. The age, sex, and operation site(left or right) were not statistically significant with the complications. 7 of the 16 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis(44%) and 27 of the 81 cases of lung tumor(33%) had complications, but they were found not to be statistically significant. The increase of the complication rate in the pulmonary tuberculosis patients was 3.86. The evidence of postoperative bleeding was observed in 6 cases with the 3 cases being the pulmonary tuberculosis patients and the 3 cases were others. This shows that the increase in postoperative bleeding in the pulmonary tuberculosis is statistically significant(p=0.019). Of the 100 cases, there were 8 mortality cases(8%), with 5 cases from the 81 cases of the lung tumor group(6.1%), 3 cases from the 16 cases of pulmonary tuberculoses group(18.7%).

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.38 no.3 s.248
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• pp.181-190
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• 2005

The results of biventricular repair for double outlet right ventricle have been improved in recent series. We studied the surgical and long term results for total correction of double outlet right ventricle by the type of ventricular septal defect. Material and Method: Between November 1979 and December 2003, 126 patients had biventricular repair for double outlet right ventricle. The mean age was 1.8 years (range 1$\~$44) and 86 patients ($68.3\%$) were male. We classified and studied this disease by the type of VSD. Result: The locations of VSD were subaortic in 79 ($62.7\%$), subpulmonary in 17 ($13.5\%$), doubly committed in 16 ($12.7\%$) and noncommitted in 14 ($11.1\%$). 28 patients had palliative operation before total correction and the mean interval to total correction was 41.0$\pm$45.1 months. The methods of total correction were intraventricular baffling in 37 ($29.4\%$), intraventricular baffling with patch enlargement of right ventricular outflow tract in 49 ($38.9\%$), intraventricular baffling with Rastelli procedure in 15 ($11.9\%$), arterial switch operation in 8 ($6.3\%$) and REV procedure in 4 ($3.2\%$), etc. Hospital mortality rate was $10.3\%$ (13 patients) and 25 reoperations were performed in 24 patients ($19.0\%$). The risk factors for hospital mortality and reoperation were cardiopulmonary bypass time (p=0.020) and previous palliative operation (p=0.013), respectively. Follow up was possible in 98 patients and mean follow up period was 118.9$\pm$70.7 months. The percent survival and survival for freedom from reoperation at 15 years were $82.5\%$ and $66.7\%$, respectively. The survival rate was significantly lower (p=0.003) in transposition of great artery type and remote type than in simple ventricular septal defect type and tetralogy of Fallot type, but there was no statistical differences in survival rate for freedom from reoperation. Conclusion: It is thought to be that acceptible surgical and long term results can be obtained with application of appropriate methods of repair for double outlet right ventricle.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.11
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• pp.1063-1069
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• 1998

Background: Multi-loculated empyema makes treatment difficult, and more so when thoracentesis or chest tube drainage fails. Materials and methods: From December 1991 to December 1997, we performed closed rib resectional drainage for 18 cases of loculated empyema on the fibrinopurulent or early chronic phase. Results: Surgery was performed on patients with loculated empyema complaining of persistent symptoms due to failure of treatment by thoracentesis(8 cases) or chest tube drainage(10 cases). Predisposing factors of empyema were pneumonia in 13 cases, clotted hemothorax in 3 cases, cholecystectomy, and tuberculous pleurisy in 1 case. Causal organisms were cultured in 8 cases(42.1%), and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus was found in 3 cases, pseudomonas aeruginosa in 2 cases, and enterococcus aerogens, α-hemolytic streptococcus, and acinetobacter baumannii were found in 1 case. Size of loculations was various, and computed chest tomogram showed multiple loculations of empyema numbering 1∼4(mean 1.78±1.00). Operating time was relatively short, about 55∼140 mins(mean 102.8±30.8). All toxic symptoms including fever disappeared postopratively and general conditions improved very quickly in all patients. Length of chest tube indwelling time and hospital stay after surgery were 3∼42 days(mean 11.4±11.5) and 6∼36 days(mean 12.9±8.1), respectively. Complications of prolonged drainage occurred in 2 cases and no death occurred. There were no recurrences and chest x-rays taken 3∼6 months after surgery showed normal findings in 14 cases and slight pleural thickening in 4 cases. Conclusions: Closed rib resectional drainage requires very simple techniques and has excellent outcomes and little complications, therefore, we think that it is the choice of operation for patients with loculated empyema on the fibrinopurulent or early chronic phase.