• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제48권12호
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• pp.1362-1369
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• 2005

목 적 : 복잡심장기형 환자에 대한 폰탄 수술 기법이 도입되면서 복잡심장기형 환자의 생존율의 향상 및 유병률의 저하가 이루어졌지만, 폰탄 수술 후의 유병률과 사망률은 여전히 해결해야할 과제로 남아 있다. 폰탄 수술 후 임상경과에 영향을 미치는 위험요소는 여러 가지를 들 수 있지만, 아직도 정립이 되어 있지 않은 실정이다. 본 연구는 폰탄 수술시 이미 알려져 있는 위험요소들과 심실기능부전의 새로운 지표인 BNP와의 관련성을 알아보고, 복잡심장기형 환자의 폰탄 수술시 위험요소로서의 BNP의 적합성과 효용성을 알아보고자 하였다. 방 법 : 2004년 6월부터 12월까지 세종병원에 입원한 복잡심장기형 환자를 대상으로 하였다. 심도자검사를 통하여 폐동맥압력, 심실의 이완말기압력, 폐혈관저항 및 심박출량 등을 구하였고, 심도자검사 전 말초 정맥혈을 채취하여 pro-BNP 농도를 측정하였다. 결 과 : 대상환자는 총 35명으로 남자가 21명, 여자가 14명이었으며, 연령 분포는 4개월에서 16세(중간값 : 4.7세)이었다. 심장질환으로는 단심실(11명), 양대혈관 우심실기시(9명), heterotaxy 증후군(4명), 삼첨판폐쇄(3명), 수정대혈관전위(3명), 심실중격결손이 없는 폐동맥폐쇄(2명), 그 외 심장질환(3명) 등이 있었다. 평균 폐동맥압력이 18 mmHg 미만인 환자의 pro-BNP 농도의 중간값은 172.6 pg/mL, 평균 폐동맥압력이 18 mmHg 이상인 환자의 pro-BNP 농도의 중간값은 1,457 pg/mL으로, 두 군간의 유의한 pro-BNP 농도의 차이를 보였다(P<0.05). 또한 평균 폐동맥압력이 높을수록 혈장 pro-BNP 농도가 높은 의미 있는 양의 상관관계를 보여 주었다(r=0.70, P<0.001). 폐혈관저항이 3 Wu 미만인 환자의 혈장 pro-BNP 농도의 중간값은 190.6 pg/mL, 폐혈관저항이 3 Wu 이상인 환자의 혈장 pro-BNP 농도의 중간값은 335.2 pg/mL으로 두 군간의 유의한 pro-BNP의 농도의 차이를 보였다(P<0.05). 또한 폐혈관저항이 높을수록 혈장 pro-BNP 농도가 높은 의미 있는 양의 상관관계를 보여 주었다(r=0.57, P<0.001). 폰탄 수술시 수술의 위험성을 예견하기 위한 혈장 pro-BNP의 예측인자로서의 유용성을 알아보고자 시행한 ROC 곡선 분석에서 유의한 통계적결과를 얻었다(ROC 곡선 영역 : 0.868, 95% CI : 0.713- 1.023, P<0.01). 폰탄 수술시 위험군을 가려내기 위한 가장 좋은 혈장 pro-BNP 농도의 차단치는 332.4 pg/mL로서, 민감도는 83.3%, 특이도는 82.7%이었다. 심실의 확장말기압력이 높고, 심 흉비가 클수록, 혈중 pro-BNP 농도가 의미 있게 높은 양의 상관관계를 보여 주었다(P<0.001). 결 론 : 폰탄 수술시 중요한 위험인자로 사용되고 있는 폐혈관저항, 폐동맥압력 및 심실이완말기압력 등이 높아짐에 따라, 혈장 pro-BNP 농도가 각각의 위험인자들과 비례하여 높은 값을 나타내는 유의한 양의 상관관계를 보여 주었다. 이는 혈장 pro-BNP 농도가 심실의 기능상태를 나타낼 뿐만 아니라, 폐동맥압력 및 폐혈관저항의 정도까지 동시에 반영해주는 혈역학적 지표로서, 폰탄 수술시 위험률을 평가하는데 하나의 비침습적인 지표로 유용하게 사용할 수 있을 것으로 생각한다.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.170-172
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• 2013

The pyrimidine nucleoside uridine has recently been reported to have a protective effect on cultured human corneal epithelial cells, in an animal model of dry eye and in patients. In this study, we investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of uridine in rabbits, following topical ocular (8 mg/eye), oral (450 mg/kg) and intravenous (100 mg/kg) administration. Blood and urine samples were serially taken, and uridine was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. No symptoms were noted in the animals after uridine treatment. Uridine was not detected in either plasma or urine after topical ocular administration, indicating no systemic exposure to uridine with this treatment route. Following a single intravenous dose, the plasma concentration of uridine showed a bi-exponential decay, with a rapid decline over 10 min, followed by a slow decay with a terminal half-life of $0.36{\pm}0.05$ h. Clearance and volume of distribution were $1.8{\pm}0.6$ L/h/kg and $0.58{\pm}0.32$ L/kg, respectively. The area under the plasma concentration-time curves (AUC) was $59.7{\pm}18.2{\mu}g{\cdot}hr/ml$, and urinary excretion up to 12 hr was ~7.7% of the dose. Plasma uridine reached a peak of $25.8{\pm}4.1{\mu}g/ml$ at $2.3{\pm}0.8$ hr after oral administration. The AUC was $79.0{\pm}13.9{\mu}g{\cdot}hr/ml$, representing ~29.4% of absolute bioavailability. About 1% of the oral dose was excreted in the urine. These results should prove useful in the design of future clinical and nonclinical studies conducted with uridine.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제44권4호
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• pp.224-231
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• 2017

Objective: We studied the association between sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and several clinical in vitro fertilization outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 169 consecutive fresh IVF cycles. Semen was collected on the day of oocyte retrieval, and we assessed standard semen parameters and the SDF level (by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling). Poor ovarian response (POR) was defined as the collection of three or fewer mature oocytes. Oocytes were inseminated by the conventional method or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Results: SDF did not affect the fertilization or pregnancy rate, but did have a significant effect on the miscarriage rate. In the miscarriage group (n = 10), the SDF level was significantly higher (23.9% vs. 14.1%) and number of mature oocytes was significantly lower (4.3 vs. 7.6) than in the live birth group (n = 45). Multiple regression analysis showed that SDF was an independent predictor of miscarriage (odds ratio, 1.051; 95% confidence interval, 1.001-1.104). The cutoffs for the SDF level and number of mature oocytes that could predict miscarriage were > 13% and ${\leq}3$, respectively. In the low-SDF group (${\leq}13%$), the miscarriage rate was similar in POR patients and those with a normal ovarian response (NOR; 14.2% vs. 4.3%). In the high-SDF group ( > 13%), the miscarriage rate was significantly higher in the POR group than in the NOR group (60.0% vs. 13.3%, p= 0.045). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that a high SDF level ( > 13%) was associated with a high miscarriage rate, and that it mainly contributed to miscarriage in the POR group. The results suggest that SDF measurements should be considered in couples with POR in order to predict the prognosis of the pregnancy.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• 제18권3호
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• pp.488-499
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• 1996

Diabetes mellitus revealed a chronic disorder of lipid, carbohydrate and protein metabolism characterized by insulin deficiency, and a striking tendency toward development of atherosclerosis, microangiopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and recently cardiomyopathy etc. The mechanism of heart failure in patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy is not clear but diabetic cardiomyopathy usually occurs in persons with long standing diabetes. After diabetes induced in made Sprague- Dawley strain rats by injection of streptozotocin(60mg/kg), cardiac tissue with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome stain was examined at 3 days, 1, 2, 4, 6 weeks later under light microscope. The results were obtained as follows : 1. In H&E stain of control group, myocardiac cells were shorter than skeletal muscle cell, which was branched out and connected each other at terminal with striation, intercalated disk and nucleus at center of cell. 2. In MT stain of control group, a few of collagen fibrile were seen at periva scular interstium, but wasn't seen between skeletal muscle fiber, and cardiac muscle was seen in various size. 3. In MT stain of experimental group, increased collagen fiber deposition at perivascular interstiums were seen periodically. 4. In MT stain of experimental group, increased collagen fiber deposition at interstitial matrix between perimyocardiac cells were seen at 3 day, 4 weeks and 6 weeks after DM induction. 5. In H&E stain of experimental group, partial degeneration of myocardiac cells was seen after 4 weeks of DM induction. From above results, streptozotocin induced diabetes mellitus increased collagen around perivascular and between intercellular matrix in heart.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• 제47권5호
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• pp.273-291
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• 2017

Purpose: Although static magnetic fields (SMFs) have been used in dental prostheses and osseointegrated implants, their biological effects on osteoblastic and cementoblastic differentiation in cells involved in periodontal regeneration remain unknown. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of SMFs (15 mT) on the osteoblastic and cementoblastic differentiation of human osteoblasts, periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs), and cementoblasts, and to explore the possible mechanisms underlying these effects. Methods: Differentiation was evaluated by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralized nodule formation based on Alizarin red staining, calcium content, and the expression of marker mRNAs assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Signaling pathways were analyzed by western blotting and immunocytochemistry. Results: The activities of the early marker ALP and the late markers matrix mineralization and calcium content, as well as osteoblast- and cementoblast-specific gene expression in osteoblasts, PDLCs, and cementoblasts were enhanced. SMFs upregulated the expression of Wnt proteins, and increased the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase $kinase-3{\beta}$ ($GSK-3{\beta}$) and total ${\beta}-catenin$ protein expression. Furthermore, p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) pathways were activated. Conclusions: SMF treatment enhanced osteoblastic and/or cementoblastic differentiation in osteoblasts, cementoblasts, and PDLCs. These findings provide a molecular basis for the beneficial osteogenic and/or cementogenic effect of SMFs, which could have potential in stimulating bone or cementum formation during bone regeneration and in patients with periodontal disease.

• 한국간호교육학회지
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.7-16
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to classify the subjectivity type toward death among college students and to understand the characteristics of attitudes and orientations toward death of each type. Since attitudes and orientations toward death is very subjective and unique, Q-methodology was employed in this study. Q-methodology explains the respondent's subjectivity by objectifying his subjectivity for himself. The P-sample consisted of 63 students of K university in D city. Forty statements concerning attitudes and orientations toward death, which developed by Yeun(1999) were utilized for Q-sample. Forty Q-statements were sorted according to the level of agreement or disagreement by forced normal distribution. The Q-sorts by each subjects were coded and analysed with the PC-QUANL program. Five types of subjectivity toward death were identified and labeled. Type 1 'the death- preparation' think frequently about his own death and talk openly about the problem of death with a positive attitude. Type 2 'the life-esteemed' respect the dignity of life most of all. Type 3 'the realty-oriented' do not believe the afterlife and is very concerned about the present life itself instead of thinking about death. Type 4 'the ambivalent' think importantly the aspect of present life and orient the afterlife at the same time. This type reveals opposite attitude of preparing and scaring the death at the same time. Type 5 'the destiny-recipient' attribute death to the destiny and deny suicide. On the basis of this result, the studies about applying and developing educational program on death and hospice care for nurses who care terminal cancer patients and families are needed.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• 제23권3호
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• pp.114-125
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• 2020

Purpose: This descriptive study investigated the effects of nurses' knowledge of withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, death anxiety, and perceptions of hospice care on their attitudes toward withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment. Methods: Data were collected from 262 nurses at tertiary hospitals, general hospitals, or primary hospitals in Busan, Korea, and statistically analyzed using the t-test, analysis of variance, the Scheffé test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and hierarchical regression analysis. Results: The participants' scores were 3.68±0.45 (out of 5) for attitudes toward withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, 0.65±0.15 (out of 1) for knowledge of withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, 2.61±0.26 (out of 4) for death anxiety, and 4.06±0.43 (out of 5) for perceptions of hospice care. Furthermore, knowledge of withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment and perceptions of hospice care showed positive correlations with attitudes toward withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, while death anxiety showed a negative correlation. The most significant factors influencing attitudes toward withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment were perceptions of hospice care, followed by having experienced caring for patients who withdrew life-sustaining treatment, death anxiety, having a spouse, and ethical values, and the overall explanatory power was 43.0%. Conclusion: This study showed that perceptions of hospice were an important factor influencing nurses' attitudes toward withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and validate educational intervention programs that can improve perceptions of hospice care.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• 제23권3호
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• pp.126-138
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• 2020

Purpose: In Korea, since the Act on Hospice and Palliative Care and Decisions on Life-Sustaining Treatment for Patients at the End of Life was implemented in February 2018, advance directives (ADs) have become legally effective and should be documented after sufficient explanation by a registered counselor. However, little is known regarding the adequacy of current AD counseling. This qualitative study aimed to explore the barriers to AD counseling based on counselors' experiences. Methods: We conducted focus group interviews using purposive sampling. Seven counselors working at hospitals, community health institutions, and non-profit organizations participated in this study. They were asked about the challenges and problems they encountered during AD counseling. Results: Three themes emerged from this study; 1) issues regarding consistency in AD counseling, 2) issues regarding AD counselors' competency and work environment, and 3) issues regarding the adequacy of the service system. The interviewees stated that the lack of a manual for standardized service made AD counseling inconsistent. The limited competency and poor work environment of counselors were pointed out as major barriers. The interviewees also stated that a proper service system considering individual circumstances is absent. Conclusion: The goals of AD counseling should be clarified and guidance should be implemented for providing standardized services. Further efforts to enhance the competency of AD counselors and to improve their working conditions are needed. Establishing an integrated framework for an adequate service system is also essential to overcome systematic barriers to AD counseling.

• 의료법학
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.413-459
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• 2008

The Law has intervened to define rare circumstances in which a person should choose continuing life in United States. On the one hand, the law has traditionally acted to preservelife and to respect the sanctity of life. On the other hand, one's control over one's own body, and the right to determine what kind of medical care one will receive, is equally well respected and historically grounded. The competent patients have the right to forgo life-sustaining treatment, courts in United States have left many unanswered questions about the nature of that right. The right to choose to forgo life-sustaining treatment is a manifestation of a patient's autonomy interest. In United States, The Karen Quilan case gave rise to legislative activity in the host of state capitals, and several states had adopted statutes that formally recognized some forms of written directives describing some circumstances in which certain kinds of medical care could be terminated. These statues were sometimes dominated 'living will' acts, sometimes 'right to die' acts and ocasionally 'natural death' acts. Today virtually every state has produced a living will statue. In Korea, courts do not permit a terminally ill person to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment. Living wills apply in case of terminal illness owing to a defect in legislation. Now In Korea, these lively dispute of legal policy on the preconditions and concrete procedure of living will act and natural death act. Through the legislation of living will act and natural death act, we should prepare some circumstances to respect patient's autonomy on the right to die. We should frame the cultural standard to make a decision of forgoing life-sustainin1g treatment under the discreet procedure.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제22권4호
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• pp.771-777
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• 2008

Chungpaesagan-tang which is used for treating patients of brain in cerebrovascular disease frequently from clinical doctor has not reported about the effect of neuronal aptosis caused of brain ischemia. The aim of this study is to investigate effect of Chungpaesagan-tang protecting neuronal cells from being damaged by brain ischemia through using organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. We caused ischemic damage to organotypic hippocampal slice cultures by oxygen and glucose deprivation. And added Chungpaesagan-tang extract to cultures. thereafter we measured area percentage of propidium iodide (PI)-stained neuronal cell, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in culture media and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells. Area percentage of PI-stained neuronal cells and count of TUNEL-positive cells in CA1 and DG area of organotypic hippocampal slice culture were significantly decreased in pertinent density level of Chungpaesagan-tang extract. LDH levels in culture media of organotypic hippocampal slice culture were significantly decreased in pertinent density level of Chungpaesagan-tang extract. Within pertinent density level, Chungpaesagan-tang has cell protection effect that prevents brain ischemia damaging neuronal cells and apoptosis increasing.