Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Kim

Publications and source records attributed to M Kim.

At least 487 records · Page 27Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Elevation of cardiac troponin I in the acute stage of Kawasaki disease.

The study was performed to investigate the level of serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI), a marker specific for myocardial damage, using a chemiluminescent immunoassay in the acute febrile stage of Kawasaki disease (KD). The study population consisted of 45 KD patients before intravenous gamma-globulin (IVGG) therapy and a control group of 20 patients without KD. Among KD patients the results from measurements of the level of cTnI were positive in 18 cases (40%) and the creatine kinase (CK)-MB was positive in 11 cases (24%), but in the control group both the cTnI and CK-MB results were negative. Seven KD patients (15.6%) showed increases in both cTnI and CK-MB that were significantly correlated with each other (p < 0.05); however, CK-MB is not heart-specific. A significant increase in the level of cTnI in the acute stage of KD suggests that acute myocarditis or myocardial cell injury begins in the early phase of the disease (p < 0.05). The serologic test for cTnI can thus be a useful method for the early diagnosis of acute myocarditis and may enable early treatment with IVGG to reduce the cardiovascular abnormalities in KD patients.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cavernous hemangioma arising from the lesser omentum: MR findings.

We report the magnetic resonance findings of an unusual hemangioma in the lesser omentum. A well-circumscribed, large mass was identified between the stomach and the left lobe of the liver, with compression of adjacent liver parenchyma. The mass showed low signal intensity (SI) on T1-weighted images, high SI on T2-weighted images with multiple septa, and slightly decreased SI on out-of-phase T1-weighted images. After gadolinium contrast administration, septa within the mass showed minimal enhancement on 30-s T1-weighted images and mild enhancement on 5-min T1-weighted images. The mass was histopathologically diagnosed as a cavernous hemangioma comprised of multiple vascular spaces, fibrotic tissue, and adipocytes.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Langerhans' cell histiocytosis as a cause of periportal abnormal signal intensity on MRI.

Three cases of hepatic Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH) manifesting as periportal abnormal signal intensity on magnetic resonance images are described. One case also demonstrated intrahepatic bile duct dilatation due to secondary sclerosing cholangitis. Hepatic involvement of LCH could be included in the differential diagnosis of periportal abnormal signal intensity in children.

Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Heterotopic pancreas of the stomach: CT findings correlated with pathologic findings in six patients.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to characterize the computed tomographic (CT) findings of heterotopic pancreas of the stomach. METHODS: CT scans of six surgically proven cases of heterotopic pancreas of the stomach were reviewed. Three were dynamic spiral CT scans, with both arterial dominant and late phase scans. In other three, both unenhanced and contrast-enhanced scans were obtained by using conventional techniques. Particular attention was given to the enhancement of the heterotopic pancreas. Pathologic and surgical findings were correlated with CT findings. RESULTS: The locations were in the gastric antrum in five cases and in the mid-body in one. Size ranged from 1 cm to 3 cm (mean = 2.1 cm). Three cases showed homogeneous, strong enhancement similar to the pancreas and consisted mainly of pancreatic acini with the same histologic features as the normal pancreas. Two cases showed poor enhancement and consisted mainly of ducts and hypertrophied muscle; pancreatic acini were a minor component. In one case appearing as a cystic lesion on CT, a pseudocyst was found with many ducts and some nests of pancreatic acini. CONCLUSIONS: Heterotopic pancreas of the stomach showed a diverse spectrum of CT findings. Good understanding of these CT findings may be helpful in making a correct diagnosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The survey of PCDDs and PCDFs in the ambient air of the urban and industrial sites in Korea, 1998-99.

A comprehensive quality survey for PCDDs/PCDFs in ambient air has been studied in Korea for two years. Monitoring was undertaken at two locations throughout Seoul (urban site) and Incheon (industrial site) in winter and spring. The periods are during 16 to 17 March 1998, 21 to 22 January 1999 and 28 to 29 April 1999 (Seoul) and 25 to 26 March 1998, 18 to 19 January 1999 and 26 to 27 April 1999 (Incheon). The values of PCDDs/PCDFs in ambient air were expressed as concentrations and international TEF values. The contents of PCDDs/PCDFs in urban site (Seoul) were lower than in industrial site (Incheon). The measurements in wintertime were higher than in springtime. The contents of 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF with half toxicity of 2,3,7,8-TCDD were high. Thus we assumed to have an interest to the contents of 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF. In this study, sample size was small (sample number was only 18) and sampling period was limited by 24 h. Therefore, we need more widespread and long-term surveys in order to estimate the human exposure by inhalation.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Levels of PCDDs and PCDFs in two kinds of fast foods in Korea.

We initiated an attempt to gather preliminary Korean fast food data on the concentrations, whole weight and international toxic equivalent (TEQ), in two kinds of fast foods, hamburger and fried chicken. The levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDDs/PCDFs) in hamburgers are detected to be lower than in fried chickens. Total TEQ level of PCDDs in fried chicken is 47.45 times higher than in hamburger. In case of PCDFs, it is 48.61 times. Even though these are compared to the only one brand and three samples each, we think that these high levels of PCDDs/PCDFs in fried chicken are very important data because of the potentially increasing daily intake. If we continue to survey for PCDDs/PCDFs in fast foods more even, especially fried chicken, these data will be useful to calculate the estimated daily intake of TEQ levels of PCDDs/PCDFs in Korea.

Benzofurans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

PCDD and PCDF exposures in workers and controls living near an industrial waste incinerator.

This study measured the levels of 17 congeners of PCDDs/PCDFs in serum to compare the levels between potentially exposed workers at an industrial waste incinerator and any residents with no known exposures. The 1,2,3,6,7,8- and 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDD were detected in serum of workers but in controls. Likewise, 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF, 1,2,3,6,7,8- and 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDF were detected only in serum of workers. The international toxic equivalent (TEQ) levels of PCDDs/PCDFs in sera of workers are much higher than in controls. Among PCDDs, the proportion of total concentration and TEQ level is dominated predominantly by 1,2,3,6,7,8- and 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDD. We need extensive studies to estimate human exposure and are continuing this investigation.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Reduction of nonselective adsorption of proteins by hydrophilization of microfiltration membranes by radiation-induced grafting.

Alcoholic hydroxyl groups were introduced into a polyethylene microfiltration (MF) membrane by radiation-induced graft polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), vinyl acetate (VAc), and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). Subsequently, the VAc- and GMA-grafted membranes were quantitatively hydrolyzed into monool (single hydroxyl) and diol groups, respectively. The pure water flux of the modified membrane and the saturation capacity of bovine gamma-globulin onto the membrane were determined as a function of alcoholic hydroxyl group density. The threshold value for hydrophilization ranged between 5 and 7 mol of alcoholic hydroxyl group per kilogram of original MF membrane. Masking of the polyethylene surface with grafted polymer branches containing the diol groups was effective because approximately 70% of the pure water flux of the original MF membrane was maintained. Irrespective of the pore diameter of the original MF membrane, saturation capacities on the modified membrane correlated well with the diol group density. Saturation capacities of bovine gamma-globulin and bovine serum albumin were reduced to 1 mg/m2 of the membrane. In addition, the binding interaction changed from irreversible to reversible.

Adsorption↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Purification of docosahexaenoic acid ethyl ester using a silver-ion-immobilized porous hollow-fiber membrane module.

Docosahexaenoic acid ethyl ester (DHA-Et) was purified by adsorption on Ag-ion-immobilized membranes via selective interaction between silver ion and carbon-carbon double bonds of DHA-Et. Silver ions were immobilized onto sulfonic-acid-group-containing porous hollow-fiber membranes at an Ag ion density of 1.4 mol/kg of membrane, and 30 membranes were housed in one module (inner diameter = 18 mm and effective length = 80 mm). The adsorption isotherms of DHA-Et in various organic solvents revealed that DHA-Et was adsorbed on the immobilized Ag ions with a DHA-Et/Ag ion molar binding ratio of 1/5 in methanol, and that acetonitrile was the solvent of choice for the elution of the adsorbed DHA-Et. Permeation of bonito oil ethyl ester solution in methanol through the Ag-ion-immobilized hollow-fiber membrane module demonstrated that the displacement adsorption of other lower unsaturated fatty-acid ethyl esters by DHA-Et proceeded along the membrane thickness. The purity of DHA-Et was improved to 99 wt % by permeating first bonito oil ethyl ester containing 95 wt % DHA-Et and then acetonitrile through the module.

Adsorption↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The hairless mouse ear: an in vivo model for studying wound neovascularization.

Microvascular ingrowth into damaged tissue is an essential component of the normal healing process. In fact, wound therapy is often aimed at promoting neovascularization. However, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate microvascular ingrowth into a healing wound. This limited knowledge is largely due to the lack of adequate models in which microvascular ingrowth can be quantitatively analyzed throughout the healing process. To address this deficiency, we developed a model in which a wound was created on the ear of the hairless mouse-a well established model for directly viewing and measuring skin microcirculation. While the animals were under ketamine and xylazine anesthesia, 2.25 mm diameter full-thickness wounds were created on the dorsum of hairless mouse ears down to but not including the cartilage (0.125 mm depth). With the use of video microscopy and computer-assisted digitized planimetry, the precise epithelial and neovascular wound edge was viewed and measured regularly throughout healing. Therefore, this model can provide objective data on wound epithelialization and neovascularization throughout healing. This model was used to examine the effect of topical wound agents on epithelialization and neovascularization. Differential effects by these anti-microbial agents on these two processes were observed, which suggests clinical implications for their use.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Ketanserin accelerates wound epithelialization and neovascularization.

We investigated the acute effects of topical ketanserin, a 5-HT(2) (serotonin) receptor blocker, on wound epithelialization and vascularization with the use of the hairless mouse ear model. Varying concentrations of Ketanserin (0%, 0.2%, 2.0%, 20% weight/volume) were administered to standardized full-thickness skin wounds on the dorsum of the hairless mouse ear immediately after surgery and daily thereafter. With the use of video microscopy and computer-assisted planimetry, vascularization and epithelialization were traced every third day until the wounds were fully healed. Arteriole diameters at selected sites near the skin wound were measured before wound creation and after wounding. It was concluded that topically administered ketanserin significantly accelerates both the vascular (p < 0.001 at 2% and 20% concentrations) and epithelial (p < 0.001 at 20% concentration) rates of wound healing in full-thickness nonpathologic skin wounds. Vasodilation of terminal arterioles was not a major response to Ketanserin. Faster epithelialization was possibly due to direct effect of ketanserin on epithelial cells.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Preliminary studies on the effect of moderate physical activity on blood levels of glutathione.

Molecular epidemiological approaches are being used to study how physical activity may protect against cancer. Prior epidemiological data suggest that physical activity protects against lung cancer; however, interpretation of these data is complicated by potential confounding by smoking. Glutathione (GSH) detoxifies cigarette smoke carcinogens and the paper tests whether physical activity levels are associated with blood GSH levels. Study subjects were enrolled in a chemoprevention trial testing whether antioxidant micronutrient supplementation reduces genetic damage from cigarette smoking. Physical activity data were collected by questionnaire from 178 subjects at 12 months of follow-up in the trial. Total GSH (tGSH), which is the sum of free and protein-bound GSH and glutathione disulfide levels, was measured using the 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzenoic acid) colormetric assay with red blood cell samples collected at the 12-month time point. In multivariate linear regression analyses that controlled for gender and cigarettes smoked per day, tGSH was positively associated with hours per week of moderate intensity activity (beta=0.005, p=0.02). Hours per week of vigorous intensity activity were unassociated with tGSH and the effect of moderate activity remained after control for vigorous activity. The results are consistent with prior research showing differential effects of moderate and vigorous activity and suggest a mechanism through which physical activity may influence lung cancer risk.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Postmortem distribution of zipeprol.

The abuse of zipeprol, an antitussive agent, is prevalent among young people in Korea. For its hallucinogenic effects, abusers have taken overdoses of the drug; thus, fatalities from zipeprol overdose have risen since 1991. In order to determine the postmortem distribution of zipeprol, tissues and blood from 23 decedents who had histories of drug abuse were examined. Homogenized tissue (1 g) and 1 mL blood were extracted by ethyl acetate. Cinnarizine was used as an internal standard. A Varian GC 4600 equipped with a thermionic specific detector was used to quantitate the drug using a DB-5 megabore column, and a Finnigan GC-MS model 4021 was used to obtain mass spectral identification of the extracts. The blood zipeprol concentrations varied from 2.3 to 38.3 micrograms/mL. The highest concentration of zipeprol was found in stomach tissue. Zipeprol concentrations in tissues were higher than the corresponding blood concentrations.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Fatal zipeprol and dextromethorphan poisonings in Korea.

Zipeprol and dextromethorphan are abused together by young people in Korea to obtain a stronger hallucinogenic effect. Because large amounts of these drugs are taken for this reason, nine fatal poisonings due to zipeprol and dextromethorphan have been reported since 1993. In this paper, the concentration of drugs in the postmortem blood and gastric contents of these victims is examined. The determination and identification of the drugs in biological fluids were conducted by gas chromatography (GC)-thermionic specific detection and GC-mass spectrometry. Linear calibration curves and high recoveries were obtained. The blood concentrations of zipeprol varied from 1.3 to 28.6 micrograms/mL, and the concentrations of dextromethorphan ranged from 1.1 to 18.3 micrograms/mL. The concentration of zipeprol in the gastric contents ranged from 26.8 to 1384.8 micrograms/g, and dextromethorphan concentrations varied from 2.1 to 243.7 micrograms/g.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Full-thickness burn to the hand from an automobile airbag.

An 18-year-old male was involved in a single car motor vehicle accident in which the driver's side airbag was deployed. He presented to the trauma center with complex injuries to the left hand, lacerations to the scalp, and a full-thickness burn to the ulnar aspect of the right hand that included the hypothenar area and the fifth digit. The patient was admitted to the trauma center and received immediate consultation from the burn service. He underwent debridement and split-thickness skin grafting of 50 cm2 of the right hand on postburn day 3. The graft became necrotic and the patient underwent debridement of the skin and the abductor minimi muscle of the right hand on postburn day 32. Split-thickness skin grafting and release of flexion contracture were successfully completed 18 days later. The police and fire departments reported that the airbag showed signs of thermal destruction. Upon request, Honda motors submitted information from the TRW safety systems and material safety data sheet (Mesa, Ariz, issued 1989) that showed that airbag canisters contain the chemicals sodium azide and cupric oxide. Water may react with sodium azide to form highly toxic and explosive hyfrazoic acid. These chemicals are converted to sodium hydroxide, which can cause significant chemical burns. In addition, these chemicals may ignite when exposed to live electrical wires or temperatures greater than 300 degrees F. We conclude that burns associated with damaged deployed airbags in motor vehicle accidents may be the results of both chemical and thermal injury. The extent of the burn wound may be underestimated, as our case illustrates. Full-thickness burns resulting from airbag deployment may require more aggressive initial debridement and treatment.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of sevoflurane anaesthesia on renal function.

The effects of sevoflurane on renal function were investigated in 34 patients anaesthetized with sevoflurane. Based on preoperative serum creatinine levels, patients were classified into three groups: Group 1 (n = 25) had normal renal function (serum creatinine < 1.0 mg/dl); Group 2 (n = 5) had slight renal dysfunction (1.0 < or = serum creatinine < 1.5 mg/dl); Group 3 (n = 4) had moderate renal dysfunction (serum creatinine > or = 1.5 mg/dl]. Serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and urine volume were measured preoperatively, and at Days 0, 1, 2, 7 and 28 after operation. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen showed no significant postoperative differences (P < 0.05) in each group, whereas urine volume showed a significant increase until Day 2, with no further changes thereafter. Our results suggest that sevoflurane anaesthesia causes no significant renal damage in patients with normal and insufficient renal function under normal-duration anaesthesia within 3-4 h.

Adult↗