Productivity Loss of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients according to the Their Stages of the Disease Activity Score

( Sang-Cheol Bae ),( Jin-Hye Cha ),( Jung-Yoon Choe ),( Sung Jae Choi ),( Soo-Kyung Cho ),( Won-Tae Chung ),( Chung-Il Joung ),( Young-Ok Jung ),( Young Mo Kang ),( Dong-Wook Kim ),( Jinseok Kim ),( Y 대한류마티스학회 2018 대한류마티스학회지 Vol.25 No.2

Objective. Productivity loss was compared by 3-stage of disease activity and associations between higher disease activity and high productivity loss were identified. Methods. Data were extracted from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Patient-reported Outcomes Research, which enrolled 2,000 RA patients (>20-year) on disease-modifying-antirheumatic-drugs (DMARDs) (≥ 6-month) from December 2012 to June 2013. This included 1,457 RA patients with the disease activity score (DAS-28-ESR) in their medical charts. Productivity loss in time and indirect cost was estimated using The World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ). Baseline characteristics and productivity loss outcomes were compared according to DAS-28-ESR groups. Results. 84.4% were females, 54.2% had low DAS-28-ESR (<3.2), and 38.2% and 7.6% had moderate (3.2∼5.1) and high DAS-28-ESR (>5.1). Patients with moderate to high DAS-28-ESR had higher lost productivity time (LPT) and monthly costs of LPT than those with low DAS-28-ESR (time in hours: 110.0±58.4 vs. 132.4±57.2 vs. 71.5±52.0, p<0.0001; monthly costs of LPT in 1,000 Korean won: 1,097±607 vs. 1,302±554 vs. 741±531, p<0.0001). Multiple regression analyses revealed significant associations with high LPT in high (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=3.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.18∼6.87) and moderate DAS-28-ESR (adjusted OR=1.88, 95% CI: 1.41∼2.52) compared to low DAS-28-ESR. In addition, positive associations with high monthly costs of LPT were observed in high (adjusted OR=3.45, 95% CI: 1.98∼5.99) and moderate DAS-28-ESR (adjusted OR=1.93, 95% CI: 1.43∼2.54) compared to low DAS-28-ESR. Conclusion. Timely therapeutic strategies should be taken into consideration given that the RA patients with moderate to high DAS-28-ESR showed strong associations with high productivity loss for effective management of RA. (J Rheum Dis 2018;25:122-130)

Utilization of the respiratory virus multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test for adult patients at a Korean tertiary care center

( Mi Young Ahn ),( Seong Ho Choi ),( Jin Won Chung ),( Hye Ryoun Kim ) 대한내과학회 2015 The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Vol.30 No.1

Background/Aims: Respiratory viruses (RVs) are considered to be important respiratory pathogens in adult patients, and the multiplex reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test is used frequently in adult patients with respiratory infections. However, clinical data regarding utilization of the multiplex RT-PCR test for RVs are lacking. Methods: We investigated the utilization of the multiplex RT-PCR test for RVs at Chung-Ang University Hospital in Seoul, Korea, between January 2012 and April 2013. Results: During the study period, the multiplex RT-PCR test was performed for 291 adult patients. The test frequency was 4.9% of rapid influenza antigen detection tests and 0.8% of respiratory bacterial culture studies. A turnaround time of < 48 hours was observed in 25.9% of positive tests. Most of the tests were performed for admitted patients (97.9%) with a community-acquired infection (84.2%) during the flu season (82.5%). RVs were detected in 81 of 291 cases (27.8%). The RV positivity rates for community- and hospital-acquired infections did not differ (28.6% vs. 23.9%, p = 0.52). Of 166 patients with pneumonia, 44 (26.5%) had a viral infection. Among the patients with RV-associated pneumonia, an RV other than influenza was detected in 20 patients (45.4%). Conclusions: The multiplex RT-PCR test for RVs was infrequently performed at a tertiary care center, and the test results were often reported late. The test was most often performed for admitted adult patients with community-acquired infections during the flu season. The utilization of multiplex RT-PCR testing for RVs in current clinical practice should be improved.

Screening of Genetic Polymorphisms of <em>CYP3A4</em> and <em>CYP3A5</em> Genes

Jin Sol Lee,Hyun Sub Cheong,Lyoung Hyo Kim,Ji On Kim,Doo Won Seo,Young Hoon Kim,Myeon Woo Chung,Soon Young Han,Hyoung Doo Shin 대한생리학회-대한약리학회 2013 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.17 No.6

Given the <em>CYP3A4</em> and <em>CYP3A5</em>’s impact on the efficacy of drugs, the genetic backgrounds of individuals and populations are regarded as an important factor to be considered in the prescription of personalized medicine. However, genetic studies with Korean population are relatively scarce compared to those with other populations. In this study, we aimed to identify <em>CYP3A4</em>/5 polymorphisms and compare the genotype distributions among five ethnicities. To identify <em>CYP3A4</em>/5 SNPs, we first performed direct sequencing with 288 DNA samples which consisted of 96 Koreans, 48 European- Americans, 48 African-Americans, 48 Han Chinese, and 48 Japanese. The direct sequencing identified 15 novel SNPs, as well as 42 known polymorphisms. We defined the genotype distributions, and compared the allele frequencies among five ethnicities. The results showed that minor allele frequencies of Korean population were similar with those of the Japanese and Han Chinese populations, whereas there were distinct differences from European-Americans or African-Americans. Among the phar-macogenetic markers, frequencies of CYP3A4*1B (rs2740574) and <em>CYP3A5</em>*3C (rs776742) in Asian groups were different from those in other populations. In addition, minor allele frequency of CYP3A4*18 (rs28371759) was the highest in Korean population. Additional in silico analysis predicted that two novel non-synonymous SNPs in <em>CYP3A5</em> (+27256C>T, P389S and +31546T>G, I488S) could alter protein structure. The frequency distributions of the identified polymorphisms in the present study may contribute to the expansion of pharmacogenetic knowledge.

Filtration and Dust Cake Experiment by Ceramic Candle Filter in High Temperature Conditions

Chung, Jin-Do,Hwang, Tae-Won,Park, So-Jin 한국화학공학회 2003 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.20 No.6

Particulate collection at high temperature and high pressure (HTHP) is important in an advanced coal power genemion system not only to improve the thermal efficiency of the system, but also to prevent the gas turbine from erosion and to meet the emission limit? of the effluent gas. The specifications for particulate collection in those systems such as Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) and Pressmized Fluidized Bed Combustion (PFBC) require absolutely high collection efficiency and reliability. Advanced cyclone, granular bed fdter, elechostatic precipitator, and ceramic filter have been developed for particulate collection in the advanced coal power generation system. However, rigid ceramic filters and granular bed filters among them show the best potential. The problems experienced of these systems on performance, materials, and mechanical design were investigated. Ceramic candle filters have the best potential for IGCC at this moment because they have nearly the highest efficiency compared with other filtering systems and have accumulated many reliable design data from many field experiences. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficiency of ceramic filters and stability of material against high temperature and long-term operation condition by applying fly ash on the surface of the filter and relation of pressure drop and dust cake thickness. Experimental conditions were 50 hours at 450 ℃, 650 ℃ and 850 ℃.

Korea's Trade Liberalization and Consumer Welfare

Jin Kyo Suh,Chul Chung,Jun Won Lee 대외경제정책연구원 2013 World Economy Brief Vol.2013 No.01

Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/BaSO₄ Hybrid Fibers with Radiopaque Properties

Chung, Yong Sik,Kim, Wan Jin,Pak, Pyong Ki,Lyoo, Won Seok,Lee, Se Chul,Kang, Sung Gwon Trans Tech Publications, Ltd. 2007 Key Engineering Materials Vol.342 No.-

Free Radical Acylation Approach of carbohydrate Derivatives

Chung, Won-jin,Jeon, Gee-Ho,Yoon, Joo-Yong,Kim, Sung-gak Korean Chemical Society 2002 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.23 No.9

The experience of transumbilical endoscopic appendectomies

Chung-Heon Lee,Won Joong Jeon,Sei Jin Youn,Hyo Young Yun,Lee-Chan Jang,Jae-Woon Choi,Young Jin Song,Dong Hee Ryu 대한외과학회 2014 Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research(ASRT) Vol.86 No.5

Minimally invasive surgery is being widely accepted in various fields of surgery. Although several appendectomy techniques have been reported but, there is no standardization. We report here the experiences of transumbilical endoscopic appendectomy in humans. Between July 2008 and September 2010, ten patients with appendicitis successfully underwent transumbilical endoscopic appendectomies. There were 7 cases of suppurative, 2 cases of gangrenous and 1 case of perforated in operative findings. The ages of the patients were 13?56 years (mean age, 32.7 ± 15.4 years). Under general anesthesia, a 15-mm port was inserted through the umbilicus and then a two-channel endoscope was inserted in the peritoneal cavity. After appendix identification, counter-traction of the appendix with a direct abdominal wall puncture using a straight round needle prolene was performed to achieve good visualization of the operative field. Tissue dissection was performed using an endoscopic needle knife. Tissue grasping and resected appendix retrieval were done with endoscopic forceps. The average operation time was 79.5 ± 23.6 minutes (range, 45 to 110 minutes). No procedures were converted to laparoscopic or open appendectomy. Hospital stay was 4?6 days. All patients completely recovered without complications. As it is highly maneuverable, we believe transumbilical endoscopic appendectomy can be a feasible method. And, as surgeons want to proceed from laparoscopic surgery to natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, this procedure could be a triable method.

Effect of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Administration and Mild Hypothermia Induction on Delayed Neuronal Death After Transient Global Cerebral Ischemia

Chung, Tae Nyoung,Kim, Jin Hee,Choi, Bo Young,Jeong, Ju-Yeon,Chung, Sung Phil,Kwon, Sung Won,Suh, Sang Won by 2017 by the Society of Critical Care Medicine a 2017 Critical care medicine Vol.45 No.5

OBJECTIVES:: Global cerebral ischemia is a cause of poor prognosis after resuscitation from cardiac arrest. Various attempts have been made to minimize global cerebral ischemia but none been more effective than mild hypothermia induction. A few studies have shown the effect of mesenchymal stem cells on global cerebral ischemia, but no studies have compared this effect with mild hypothermia or assessed any possible interaction. We aimed to show the effect of mesenchymal stem cells on delayed neuronal death after global cerebral ischemia and to compare this effect with mild hypothermia. DESIGN:: Experimental study. SETTING:: Animal research laboratory. SUBJECTS:: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250–300 g. INTERVENTIONS:: Rats were subjected to 7 minutes of transient global cerebral ischemia and randomized into four groups: control, mild hypothermia, injection of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and combined application of mild hypothermia and mesenchymal stem cells, along with four sham groups treated identically. Rats were euthanized 7 days after global cerebral ischemia. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:: Degree of neuronal death in hippocampus was significantly higher in control than in other groups. The number of activated microglia was higher in control group than in other groups and was higher in mild hypothermia than shams, mesenchymal stem cells, mild hypothermia/mesenchymal stem cells. Degree of blood-brain barrier disruption and the count of infiltrated neutrophils were significantly higher in control than in other groups. Degree of oxidative injury was significantly higher in control than other groups. It was higher in mild hypothermia than sham groups, mesenchymal stem cells, mild hypothermia/mesenchymal stem cells and was higher in mesenchymal stem cells group than sham groups. Significantly, worse functional results were found in control than in other groups. CONCLUSIONS:: Administration of mesenchymal stem cells after transient global cerebral ischemia has a prominent protective effect on delayed neuron death, even compared with mild hypothermia.

Nitrogen Uptake and Growth of Soybean Seedlings under Flooding Stress

Jin-Woong Cho,Hee-Chung Ji,Jun-Yeon Won 한국작물학회 2006 Korean journal of crop science Vol.51 No.3

This experiment was carried out on plastic pots (40cm x 25cm x 30cm) filled with sand soil at greenhouse using two soybean cultivars with small seed; one was Pungsannamulkong (PSNK) recognized as a tolerant cultivar against excessive water stress and the other one was Sobaeknamulkong (SBNK) recognized as a susceptible cultivar. Seed was sown with 30 plants of 2 hills, and the amount of applied fertilizer was N; 3.0 g, P; 3.0 g, and K; 3.4 g per m2 with all basal fertilizations. Plants were grown under photoperiod of natural light with day temperature of 31 ± 5 oC and night temperature of 22 ± 1 oC. The flooding treatment was done for 3, 5, 7 and 10 days by filling pots with tap water up to 1 cm above the level of the soil surface when plants were 2 days after emerging. Nitrogen uptake by leaves of soybeans decreased significantly by the flooding after 6 days. This significant reduction of N uptake by flooding was evidently recognized from the chlorosis of leaves. The dry matter of flooded soybean seedlings significantly decreased compared to non-flooded soybean seedlings at 10 days. The dry matter of roots also showed similar result of the shoot. Shoots had more N reduction than roots under the flooding. This N reduction was more pronounce in SBNK than in PSNK. Chlorophyll content of flooded soybeans showed decreasing or non-increasing tendency, and the reduction of chlorophyll content was more in SBNK than in PSNK from the flooding stress. Nitrate content of soybean seedlings with flooding stress showed decreasing tendency in shoot and root parts. Ammonium content, however, was higher in flooding stress compared to the non-flooding. Flooding caused a remarkable change in the AA (amino acid) composition and TAA (total amino acid) concentration in the leaves of soybean seedlings. This experiment was carried out on plastic pots (40cm x 25cm x 30cm) filled with sand soil at greenhouse using two soybean cultivars with small seed; one was Pungsannamulkong (PSNK) recognized as a tolerant cultivar against excessive water stress and the other one was Sobaeknamulkong (SBNK) recognized as a susceptible cultivar. Seed was sown with 30 plants of 2 hills, and the amount of applied fertilizer was N; 3.0 g, P; 3.0 g, and K; 3.4 g per m2 with all basal fertilizations. Plants were grown under photoperiod of natural light with day temperature of 31 ± 5 oC and night temperature of 22 ± 1 oC. The flooding treatment was done for 3, 5, 7 and 10 days by filling pots with tap water up to 1 cm above the level of the soil surface when plants were 2 days after emerging. Nitrogen uptake by leaves of soybeans decreased significantly by the flooding after 6 days. This significant reduction of N uptake by flooding was evidently recognized from the chlorosis of leaves. The dry matter of flooded soybean seedlings significantly decreased compared to non-flooded soybean seedlings at 10 days. The dry matter of roots also showed similar result of the shoot. Shoots had more N reduction than roots under the flooding. This N reduction was more pronounce in SBNK than in PSNK. Chlorophyll content of flooded soybeans showed decreasing or non-increasing tendency, and the reduction of chlorophyll content was more in SBNK than in PSNK from the flooding stress. Nitrate content of soybean seedlings with flooding stress showed decreasing tendency in shoot and root parts. Ammonium content, however, was higher in flooding stress compared to the non-flooding. Flooding caused a remarkable change in the AA (amino acid) composition and TAA (total amino acid) concentration in the leaves of soybean seedlings.