Association between abdominal obesity and increased risk for the development of hypertension regardless of physical activity: A nationwide population-based study

Rhee, Eun-Jung,Cho, Jung-Hwan,Kwon, Hyemi,Park, Se-Eun,Jung, Jin-Hyung,Han, Kyung-Do,Park, Yong-Gyu,Park, Hye Soon,Kim, Yang-Hyun,Yoo, Soon-Jib,Lee, Won-Young Wiley (Blackwell Publishing) 2018 The journal of clinical hypertension Vol.20 No.10

Clinical Predictors for Migraine in Patients Presenting With Nausea and/or Vomiting

( Yang Won Min ),( Jin Hee Lee ),( Byung Hoon Min ),( Jun Haeng Lee ),( Jae J Kim ),( Chin Sang Chung ),( Poong Lyul Rhee ) 대한소화기기능성질환·운동학회 2013 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.19 No.4

Background/Aims Many migraine patients develop nausea and/or vomiting (N/V) and are referred to gastroenterologists. This can lead to an inappropriate treatment and a delay of the correct diagnosis. We therefore aimed to identify predictors for migraine in patients presenting with N/V as well as headache. Methods A total of 407 patients who were first diagnosed with migraine at Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, in 2009 were analyzed. Among them, 261 patients had N/V (migraine with N/V group) and 146 did not (migraine without N/V group). Each patient was evaluated using a structured questionnaire. Results Migraine with N/V group was younger, comprised of more females, had more abnormal body mass index, less alcohol intake, more family history of migraine, higher attack severity, more stress association, more aggravation by physical activity, more abdominal pain, and more photophobia/phonophobia than migraine without N/V group. Multivariate analysis revealed that young age (age < 40 years vs. ≥ 40 years, odds ratio (OR), 2.128; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.206-3.756; P = 0.009), female (OR, 2.703; 95% CI, 1.492-4.896; P = 0.001), family history of migraine (OR, 2.080; 95% CI, 1.169-3.700; P = 0.013), abdominal pain (OR, 4.452; 95% CI, 1.263-15.693; P = 0.020), and photophobia/phonophobia (OR, 2.296; 95% CI, 1.308-4.030; P = 0.004) were independent predictive factors associated with migraine in patients with N/V. Conclusions Because young age, female, family history of migraine, abdominal pain, and photophobia/phonophobia are associated with migraine in patients presenting with N/V as well as headache, physicians should have a high index of suspicion for migraine in N/V patients who belong to these categories. (J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2013;19:516-520)

Self-Transcendence Mediates the Relationship between Early Trauma and Fatal Methods of Suicide Attempts

Yang Jeong Hun,Rhee Sang Jin,Park C. Hyung Keun,Kim Min Ji,Shin Daun,Lee Jae Won,Kim Junghyun,Kim Hyeyoung,Lee Hyun Jeong,Ha Kyooseob,Ahn Yong Min 대한의학회 2021 Journal of Korean medical science Vol.36 No.5

Background: Early trauma is known to be a risk factor of suicide-related behavior. On the other hand, people who attempt suicide using a fatal method are reported to be more likely to complete suicide. In this study, we assumed that early trauma affects an individual's temperament and character and thereby increases the risk of a fatal method of suicide attempts. Methods: We analyzed 92 people with a history of previous suicide attempts. We compared the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised scores between the groups with and without early trauma, and between the groups with and without a history of suicide attempt using fatal methods through an analysis of covariance with age, sex, and presence of a psychiatric history as covariates. A mediation analysis was conducted of the relationship between early trauma and fatal methods of suicide attempt with self-transcendence as a mediator. Results: Higher self-transcendence was reported in the fatal group (27.71 ± 13.78 vs. 20.97 ± 12.27, P = 0.010) and the early trauma group (28.05 ± 14.30 vs. 19.43 ± 10.73, P = 0.001), respectively. The mediation model showed that self-transcendence mediates the relationship between early trauma and fatal methods of suicide attempt. The 95% confidence intervals for the direct and indirect effect were (−0.559, 1.390) and (0.026, 0.947), respectively. Conclusion: Self-transcendence may mediate the relationship between early trauma and fatal methods of suicide attempt. Self-transcendence may be associated with unhealthy defenses and suicidal behavior for self-punishment and may constitute a marker of higher suicide risk.

Effects of Fan-Aspirated Radiation Shield for Temperature Measurement in Greenhouse Environment

Yang, Seung-Hwan,Lee, Chun-Gu,Kim, Joon-Yong,Lee, Won-Kyu,Ashtinai-Araghi, A.,Rhee, Joong-Yong Korean Society for Agricultural Machinery 2012 바이오시스템공학 Vol.37 No.4

Purpose: Provision of accurate temperature measurement is an essential element to ensure a precise control in greenhouse environment. This study was organized to compare the effects of six solar radiation shields with different shapes for temperature measurement and find the most appropriate shield for greenhouse environment. Methods: A fan-aspirated radiation shield was designed and manufactured. Using the fan-aspirated radiation shield and five other shapes i.e., the cup shape, horizontal pipe, vertical pipe, parallel boards and commercial shields, temperature measurement was conducted over the lawn surface as well as greenhouse indoor environment. The measurement height varied at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m from the floor. Results: The measured temperatures by the fan-aspirated radiation shield were 1.30-$1.49^{\circ}C$ lower than the values recorded by other different-shaped shields at 1.5 m of measurement height. As the measurement height decreases, observed differences between measured temperatures of the fan-aspirated radiation shield and other shields demonstrate a declining trend. However, at low measurement heights, the radiation emitted from the bottom surface would be the source of error in temperature measurement. Conclusions: The fan-aspirated radiation shield is a required tool for exact measurement of air temperature in greenhouse temperature control.

Heating and Cooling System for Utilization of Surplus Air Thermal Energy in Greenhouse and its Control Logic

Yang, Seung-Hwan,Lee, Chun-Gu,Lee, Won-Kyu,Ashtiani, Alireza Araghi,Kim, Joon-Yong,Lee, Sang-Deok,Rhee, Joong-Yong Korean Society for Agricultural Machinery 2012 바이오시스템공학 Vol.37 No.1

Purpose: Utilizing air thermal energy during over-heated time in the greenhouse is a necessary component to save greenhouse heating costs for nighttime. However, there is no practical way to implement the related principles. Methods: In this study, a heating and cooling system which utilizes the surplus air thermal energy in a greenhouse was developed. Available air thermal energy and heating load for this experimental glasshouse were estimated based on temperature conditions of the plant growth and weather data. Results: Estimated values were 400 MJ/day for maximum surplus air thermal energy and 340 MJ/day for maximum heating energy which were target values of the design as well. The system consists of a heat pump, fan-coil units and heat storage tanks which are divided into low and high temperature tanks. Moreover, a new control logic was developed for surplus air thermal energy utilization. Conclusions: This paper explains the details of conceptual design process of the system. Results of test operations showed that the developed system performed the recovery and supply of the thermal energy according to design purposes.

Association Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease After Pneumatic Balloon Dilatation and Clinical Course in Patients With Achalasia

( Yang Won Min ),( Jin Hee Lee ),( Byung Hoon Min ),( Jun Haeng Lee ),( Jae J Kim ),( Poong Lyul Rhee ) 대한소화기기능성질환·운동학회 2014 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.20 No.2

Background/AimsThe occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is known to be associated with lower post-treatment lower esophagealsphincter pressure in patients with achalasia. This study aimed to elucidate whether GERD after pneumatic balloon dilatation(PD) has a prognostic role and to investigate how the clinical course of GERD is. MethodsA total of 79 consecutive patients who were first diagnosed with primary achalasia and underwent PD as an initial treatmentwere included in this retrospective study. Single PD was performed using a 3.0 cm balloon. The patients were divided into twogroups: 1) who developed GERD after PD (GERD group) and 2) who did not develop GERD after PD (non-GERD group). GERDwas defined as pathological acid exposure, reflux esophagitis or typical reflux symptoms. ResultsTwenty one patients (26.6%) developed GERD after PD during follow-up. There were no significant differences between thetwo groups in demographic or clinical factors including pre- and post-treatment manometric results. All patients in GERDgroup were well responsive to maintenance proton pump inhibitor therapy including on demand therapy or did not requiremaintenance. During a median follow-up of 17.8 months (interquartile range, 7.1-42.7 months), achalasia recurred in 15 patients(19.0%). However, the incidence of recurrence did not differ according to the occurrence of GERD after PD. ConclusionsGERD often occurs after even a single PD for achalasia. However, GERD after PD is well responsive to PPI therapy. Our datasuggest that GERD after PD during follow-up does not appear to have a prognostic role.

Recycling Process for Sinter-Active U₃O₈ Powders

YANG, Jae Ho,KANG, Ki Won,KIM, Keon Sik,RHEE, Young Woo,SONG, Kun Woo Atomic Energy Society of Japan 2010 Journal of nuclear science and technology Vol.47 No.6

<P>The effect of the oxidation temperature of UO<SUB>2</SUB> pellets on the powder properties of oxidized U<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>8</SUB> powders has been investigated. The powder morphology, crystalline size, and BET surface area of recycled U<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>8</SUB> could be modified by controlling the oxidation temperature of the UO<SUB>2</SUB> pellets. Recycled U<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>8</SUB> powder with a high BET surface area and a small particle size could be obtained by lowering the oxidation temperature. It was also found that this low-temperature-oxidized sinter-active U<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>8</SUB> powder is effective in mitigating the density drop of the UO<SUB>2</SUB> pellets when the recycled U<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>8</SUB> powder is added. Moreover, the recycled powder acted as a grain-size-enlarging promoter in the UO<SUB>2</SUB> pellets.</P>

Prevalence of Extraesophageal Symptoms in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease; A Multicenter Questionnaire-based Study in Korea

( Yang Won Min ),( Seong Woo Lim ),( Jun Haeng Lee ),( Hang Lak Lee ),( Oh Young Lee ),( Jae Myung Park ),( Myung Gyu Choi ),( Poong Lyul Rhee ) 대한소화기기능성질환·운동학회 2014 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.20 No.1

Background/Aims Many patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) also present with extraesophageal symptoms (EESs). This study sought to determine the prevalence of concomitant EESs and to evaluate quality of life (QOL) impairment in a Korean population with GERD. Methods This questionnaire-based study was carried out from 64 hospitals in Korea between October 2008 and March 2009. Patients with typical GERD symptoms of heartburn or acid regurgitation were recruited for study. Participants filled out questionnaire consisting of GerdQ questions and EES questions. All participants underwent endoscopy and were divided into patients with erosive reflux disease (ERD) and with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD). Results A total of 1,712 patients were included in this study. Of these, 697 (40.7%) patients had ERD and 1,015 (59.3%) NERD. The prevalence of EES was 90.3%. The most prevalent EES was epigastric burning (73.2%), followed by globus (51.8%), chest pain (48.4%), cough (32.0%), hoarseness (24.2%) and wheezing (17.3%). Individual EES was more prevalent in patients with ERD than in those with NERD. Regarding QOL, 701 patients (41.0%) had sleep disturbance and 676 (37.7%) had taken additional over-the-counter medication for heartburn and/or regurgitation, which were more prevalent in patients with ERD than in those with NERD (49.5% vs. 35.1% and 45.8% vs. 32.2%, respectively; all P < 0.001). Conclusions The prevalence of EES is high in Korean patients with symptomatic GERD. Individual EES is more prevalent in patients with ERD than in those with NERD. QOL impairment is observed less frequently than previous studies. (J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2014;20:87-93)

Quantitative Analysis of Isotonic Exercise Using Virtual Reality Motion Analysis System(VRMAS)

Rhee, Won Ihl,Kwon, Soon Yong,Yang, Seung Han,Lee, Jong In,Kim, Min Gi THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF KOREA 1997 Bulletin of The Catholic Research Institutes of Me Vol.25 No.-

Isotonic exercise is a dynamic exercise that is performed with constant load without controlled movement, Although the term implies constant tension or torque throughout the movement, in practice it is very difficult to maintain the tension constant. When evaluating isotonic exercise, the works of concentric and eccentric contraction and the changes in tension and torque during joint motion should be included. However, optimal evaluation tools for isotonic exercise is yet to be developed. We authors, used virtual reality motion analysis system(VRMAS) developed by us and EMG system(Cardwell Excel) for this purpose. Ten healthy male adult subjects were recruited from hospital personnels. After each subject had his dominant upper arm fixed to his torso with a Velcro strap, he was instructed to repeat flexion and extension of his dominant elbow grasping a 9㎏ dumbbell with maximal velocity until point of exhaustion. We measured the angle of elbow, the angular velocity, torque, power, total work and the work of concentric and eccentric contraction during the exercise. The results were as follow : there were four distinct elbow flexor muscle contractions during flexion and extension of the elbow : the first and the second contraction were concentric contraction, while the third and the fourth contraction were eccentric contraction. Of the ten subjects, concentric work wag higher than the eccentric work in seven while the eccentric work was higher in the remaining three. There was no statistical significance between the work of concentric contraction and eccentric contraction(P>0.05). The biggest work was observed in the fourth contraction, while the third contraction showed the least work(P<0.05). In conclusion, there were four distinct muscle contractions during elbow isotonic exercise and the works of each muscle contraction were different. This result is contrary to the definition of isotonic exercise. Further more, this experiment showed that the VRMAS could be a very useful evaluation tool for several types of isotonic exercise.

Increased Tone of the Human Colon Muscle by Bisacodyl In Vitro

Yang Won Min,Eun-ju Ko,Jeong Hwan Kim,Ji Yeon Lee,김희철,Woo Yong Lee,Poong-Lyul Rhee 대한소화기 기능성질환∙운동학회 2018 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.24 No.2

Background/Aims Although bisacodyl is a widely administered laxative, its underlying mechanism of action remains generally unknown. This study focuses on investigating the effects of bisacodyl on the human colon muscle contraction, and elucidating its mechanism of action. Methods Sigmoid colon muscle strips (20 longitudinal and 18 circular muscles) were obtained from 20 subjects who underwent colectomy for colon cancer. Isometric force measurements were calculated in response to electrical field stimulation (EFS, 0.3 milliseconds in trains of 10 Hz for 20 seconds, 150 V). Peak and nadir (tone) during and after EFS, were measured in a controlled state, and after sequential addition of bisacodyl (1 μM), atropine (1 μM), N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA, 100 μM), MRS2500 (1 μM), and tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 μM) to the organ bath. Results Transient phasic contractions were observed during EFS, and after cessation of EFS. In the longitudinal muscles, nadir during EFS, and tone after EFS, significantly increased after addition of bisacodyl, and persisted after sequential addition of atropine, L-NNA, MRS2500, and TTX, indicating a direct action of bisacodyl on the smooth muscle. In the second experiment, pretreatment of TTX abolished EFS-induced phasic contractions. Although no phasic contraction was produced after perfusion of bisacodyl, tone was increased, thereby supporting evidence of a direct mechanism of action of bisacodyl on the colon smooth muscle. Conclusions Bisacodyl increases the tone of longitudinal muscle in the human sigmoid colon through a direct action on the smooth muscle. Further study is warranted to investigate the neural mechanism of action of bisacodyl.