• Journal of Gastric Cancer
• /
• v.5 no.3 s.19
• /
• pp.200-205
• /
• 2005

Purpose: KLF4, a member of the KLF family, is a zinc finger tumor suppressor protein that is critical for gastric epithelial homeostasis. Our aim was to determine whether the altered expression of KLF4 might be associated with gastric cancer development and, if so, to determine to which pathologic parameter it is linked. Materials and Methods: For the construction of the gastric cancer tissue microarray, 84 paraffin-embedded tissues containing gastric cancer areas were cored 3 times and transferred to the recipient master block. The expression pattern of KLF4 was examined on tissue microarray slides by using immunohistochemistry and was compared with pathologic parameters, including histologic type, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, and peritoneal dissemination. Results: The KLF4 protein was expressed in cytoplasm and nucleus of superficial and foveolar epithelial cells in the normal gastric mucosa. We found markedly reduced or loss of KLF4 expression in 43 (51.2%) of the 84 gastric cancer tissues. There was no significant correlation between KLF4 expression and pathologic parameters, including histologic type, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis and peritoneal dissemination. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that altered expression of KLF4 may contribute to abnormal regulation of gastrointestinal epithelial cell growth and differentiation and to the development of Korean gastric cancer, as an early event.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.40 no.6
• /
• pp.669-676
• /
• 1993

Background: DNA content analysis of human solid tumor is now widely performed by flow cytometric study. One of the most interesting and potentially important observation in this field is that proliferative activity(S-Phase fraction of cell cycle) may profoundly affect prognosis. Method: S-Phase fraction(SPF) have been measured by flow cytometric method using tumor cells isolated from paraffin embedded tissue. To evaluate the prognostic significance, SPF of squamous lung cancer cell was assessed in 21 patients who died without any specific treatment. Results: 1) Mean survival time of squamous lung cancer patients was 225(${\pm}162$) days. Survival time were shortened, when TNM stage and PS scale were advanced. 2) Mean value of SPF of squamous lung cancer patients was 23.4(${\pm}11.3$)%. SPF had nothing to do with advance of TNM stage and PS scale. 3) Mean survival time of high SPF group(more than 20% of cell proliferation cycle) and low SPF group were 153(${\pm}99$) days and 342(${\pm}180$) days(p<0.01). In each identical TNM stage and PS scale, there were also statistic significant differences in mean survival time between high and low SPF group. Conclusion: On multivariate analysis including TNM stage and performance status, SPF was the significant and independent prognostic factor in the primary squamous lung cancer patients group.

• Journal of Science and Technology Studies
• /
• v.19 no.3
• /
• pp.51-117
• /
• 2019

On 15th November 2017, the coastal city of Pohang, located in the Southeastern part of South Korea was shaken by a magnitude 5.4 earthquake. The earthquake displaced more than 1,700 residents and caused more than $ 300 million dollars of economic loss. It was the second most damaging earthquake in the history of Korea. Soon after the earthquake, a group of scientists raised a possible link between the first Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) project and the earthquake. At the same time, another group of scientists put forward a different hypothesis of the causation of the earthquake claiming that it was caused by the geological movements that were initiated by the Great Tohoku Earthquake in 2011. Since then, there were scientific debates between the two different groups of scientists. The scientific debate on the causation of the earthquake has been concluded temporarily by the Research Investigatory Committee on the Pohang Earthquake in 2019. The research committee concluded that the earthquake was caused by the Pohang EGS system: this means that the earthquake can be defined not as a natural earthquake, but as an artificially triggered earthquake. This article is to examine the Pohang earthquake can be defined as an Anthropocenic event. The newly suggested concept, the Anthropocene is a relatively novel term to classify the earthly strata and their relationship to geological time. The current geological period should be defined by human activities and man-made earthly environment. Although the term is basically related to geological classification, the Anthropocene has been widely debated amongst humanist and social science scholars. The current disastrous situation of our planet also implies with the Anthropocene. This paper is to discuss how to understand anthropogenic events. In particular, the paper pays attention to two different scholarly positions on the Anthropocene: Isabelle Stenger's Gaia theory and Barbara Herrnstein Smith's relativist theory. The former focuses on the earthly inevitable catastrophe of Anthropocene while the latter suggests to situate and contextualise anthropogenic events. On the basis of the theoretical positions, the article is to analyse how the Pohang earthquake can be located and situated.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.40-54
• /
• 2004

Purpose : Captopril (angiotension converting enzyme inhibitor) is known to have a radioproptective effect in the lungs, intestines and skin, but its effect in the heart is unclear. To investigate the radioprotectlve efiect and mechanism of captopril on the heart, the histopathological changes and immunohistochemical stains were compared with radiation alone, and radiation combined with captopril, in the rats. Materials and Methods : The histopathological changes and immunohistochemical stains ($TNF{\alpha}$, $TGF{\beta}1$, PDGF and FGF2) were examined in the radiation alone and the combined captopril and radiation groups, 2 and 8 weeks after irradiation. Each group consisted of 8 to 10 rats (Sprague-Dawley). Irradiation (12.5 Gy) was given to the left hemithorax in a single fraction. Captopril (50 mg/Kg/d) mixed with water, was given orally and continuously from the first week prior to, up to the 8th week of the experiment. Results : In the radiation alone group, the ventricle at 2 weeks after irradiation showed prominent edema (p=0.082) and fibrin deposit (p=0.018) compared to the control group. At 8 weeks, the edema was decreased and fibrosis increased compared to those at 2 weeks. The histopathological changes of the combined group were similar to those of the control group, due to the reduced radiation toxicity at 2 and 8 weeks. The endocardial fibrin deposit (p=0.047) in the atrium, and the interstitial fibrin deposit (p=0.019) and edema (p=0.042) of the ventricle were reduced significantly in the combined group compared to those in the radiation alone group at 2 weeks. The expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, $TGF-{\beta}1$, PDGF and FGF-2 in the radiation alone group were more increased than in the control group, especially in the pericardium and endocardium of the atrium at 2 weeks. At 8 weeks, the pericardial $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $TGF-{\beta}1$ in the radiation alone group continuously increased. The expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, $TGF-{\beta}1$ and PDGF were decreased in the combined group at 2 weeks. At 8 weeks, the expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$ in the atrial and ventricular pericardia were markedly reduced (p=0.049, p=0.009). Conclusion : This study revealed that the early heart damage induced by radiation can be reduced by the addition of captopril in a rat model. The expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, $TGF-{\beta}1$ and PDGF were further decreased in the combined compared to the radiation alone group at both 2 and 8 weeks. From these results, it may be concluded that these cytokines probably play roles in the radioprotective mechanism of captopril from the radiation-induced heart toxicity, similarly to in other organs.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
• /
• v.32
• /
• pp.41-52
• /
• 2020

Purpose: To find out the dosimetric usefulness, setup reproducibility and efficiency of applying 3D Bolus by comparing two treatment plans in which Commercial Bolus and 3D Bolus produced by 3D Printing Technology were applied to the neck during VMAT treatment of Hypopahrynx Cancer to evaluate the clinical applicability. Materials and Methods: Based on the CT image of the RANDO phantom to which CB was applied, 3D Bolus were fabricated in the same form. 3D Bolus was printed with a polyurethane acrylate resin with a density of 1.2g/㎤ through the SLA technique using OMG SLA 660 Printer and MaterializeMagics software. Based on two CT images using CB and 3D Bolus, a treatment plan was established assuming VMAT treatment of Hypopharynx Cancer. CBCT images were obtained for each of the two established treatment plans 18 times, and the treatment efficiency was evaluated by measuring the setup time each time. Based on the obtained CBCT image, the adaptive plan was performed through Pinnacle, a computerized treatment planning system, to evaluate target, normal organ dose evaluation, and changes in bolus volume. Results: The setup time for each treatment plan was reduced by an average of 28 sec in the 3D Bolus treatment plan compared to the CB treatment plan. The Bolus Volume change during the pretreatment period was 86.1±2.70㎤ in 83.9㎤ of CB Initial Plan and 99.8±0.46㎤ in 92.2㎤ of 3D Bolus Initial Plan. The change in CTV Min Value was 167.4±19.38cGy in CB Initial Plan 191.6cGy and 149.5±18.27cGy in 3D Bolus Initial Plan 167.3cGy. The change in CTV Mean Value was 228.3±0.38cGy in CB Initial Plan 227.1cGy and 227.7±0.30cGy in 3D Bolus Initial Plan 225.9cGy. The change in PTV Min Value was 74.9±19.47cGy in CB Initial Plan 128.5cGy and 83.2±12.92cGy in 3D Bolus Initial Plan 139.9cGy. The change in PTV Mean Value was 226.2±0.83cGy in CB Initial Plan 225.4cGy and 225.8±0.33cGy in 3D Bolus Initial Plan 224.1cGy. The maximum value for the normal organ spinal cord was the same as 135.6cGy on average each time. Conclusion: From the experimental results of this paper, it was found that the application of 3D Bolus to the irregular body surface is more dosimetrically useful than the application of Commercial Bolus, and the setup reproducibility and efficiency are excellent. If further case studies along with research on the diversity of 3D printing materials are conducted in the future, the application of 3D Bolus in the field of radiation therapy is expected to proceed more actively.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.78-86
• /
• 2001

Purpose: Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is characterized by the rapid increase in serum creatitnin and crescents formation involving more than $50\%$ of glomeruli. 10 patients who had been treated for RPGN were studied retrospectively for thier underlying diseases and clinical features Method: Cilinical review was performed on 10 children who were diagnosed with RPGN by clinical features and renal biopsy and followed up at department of pediatrics during tile last 10 years, from May 1990 to May 2000. Result: There were 6 males and 4 females between the ages of 2.1 and 14.3 years (mean $10.9{\pm}3.8$). 3 had Henoch-$Sch{\ddot{o}}nlein$ purpura nephritis; 2, idiopathic rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis; 2, lupus nephritis; 1, hemolytic uremic syndrome; 1, membranous glomerulonephritis and 1, microscopic polyangiitis. The most common chief complaints were gross hematuria and oliguria. Initial clinical features included proteinuria, edema, hypertension, nausea and arthralgia. Mean serum BUN was $74.2{\pm}39.1\;mg/dL$ mean serum creatinin, $3.2{\pm}1.8\;mg/dL$ and mean creatinin clearance, $26.5{\pm}13.2\;mL/min/1.73m^2$. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody was positive only in microscopic polyangiitis. ANA and Anti-DNA antibody were positive in two lupus nephritis patients. Serum complements were decreased in 4 patients. All patients except Hemolytic uremic syndrome received steroid pulse therapy and immunosupressive agents. 3 patients were performed acute peritoneal dialysis and 2 patients were given plasmapheresis. At the last follow up, 1 patient was dead, 4 patients had elevated serum creatinin, 2 of these 4 patients were on chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and 6 patients had normal renal function. Conclusion: Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis is a medical emergency that requires very rapid diagnosis, classification, and therapy. Appropriate therapy selected on the basis of underlying disease mechanism can substantially improve renal survival. (J. Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2001 ; 5 : 78-86)

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.274-279
• /
• 1983

In order to find out the application effect of commercial organic fertilizer on the germination rate of ginseng seed, growth of ginseng plant and changes of the physicochemical properties of soils, a Miwon organic fertilizer, byproduct of amino acid fermentation, was applied to the ginseng nursery bed. The application rates of Miwon organic fertilizer were 0kg-N from organic fertilizer and 30kg-N from wild grass compost per 10a as control(namely 0kg-N/10a), 2.5kg-N and 27.5kg-N/ 10a(2.5kg-N/10a) 5.0kg-N and 25kg-N/10a(5.0kg-N/10a), 10kg-N and 20kg-N/10a(10kg-N/10a), 15kg-N and 15kg-N/10a(15kg-N/10a) respectively, The obtained results are as follows: 1. The germination rate of ginseng seed were better in the plots that received 2.5kg, 5.0kg and 10kg-N/10a as compared with control plot. However no difference was found on germination rate between control and 15kg-N/10a, 2. The higher rate of missing plant was found in the 15kg-N/10a plot that showed poor growth. However control and 10kg-N/10a plot showed similar rate of missing plant. The best result, lower rate of missing plant, was obtained in the order of 5kg-N and 2.5kg-N/10a respectively. 3. The significant heavier ginseng root weight was obtained in 5kg-N/10a and 10kg-N/10a plot. However the root weight was decreased in the order of 2.5kg-N/10a, control, 15kg-N/10a. 4. In the physicochemical changes of soils between control and organic fertilizer treated soil before and after harvesting the increment of pH, C.E.C. and organic matter content along with the rate of organic fertilizer application were found. There were significant correlation between nitrate nitrogen and the rate of organic fertilizer application. 5. In the view points of germination rate, missing rate of plant and yield of ginseng root, it can be stated that the best result could be obtained from the plot that received 10kg-N/10a from Miwon commercial organic fertilizer and 10kg-N/10a from wild grass compost.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.43-51
• /
• 1989

Responsiveness of muscarinic and alpha adrenoceptor activation on endothelial cells was studied in isolated canine renal artery rings. Ach (10-100 nM), dose dependently, relaxes endothelial intact rings precontracted with phenylephrine ($IC_{50}$ of Ach was 34.5 nM). Selective mechanical destruction of the endothelium transformed the activity of this substance from vasodilatation to vasoconstriction. Acetylcholine induced relaxations could be selectively inhibited competitively by atropine, but could not be inhibited by cyclooxygenase inhibitor. Methylene blue, however, an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase activity, inhibited Ach as well as sodium nitroprusside (SNP) induced relaxation. Relaxation produced by prostacyclin was not modified by methylene blue. On the other hand, alpha adrenoceptor agonist did not relax but contract canine renal artery rings possessing an intact intima precontracted with U-46619. Clonidine, however, selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, is more susceptible than phenylepherine, selective alpha-1 adrenergic agonist, to the inhibitory effect of contraction. These results suggest that in canine renal artery rings, 1) muscarinic receptor is responsible for releasing endothelium dependent relaxation factor (EDRF). 2) alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic receptors are present in canine renal artery. 3) relaxation via EDRF is antagonized by methylene blue, providing further evidence that EDRF acts through a cGMP mechanism.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.41 no.6
• /
• pp.673-680
• /
• 2009

This study was conducted to screen for plant food materials that improve human intestinal microflora, especially microorganisms associated with obesity. Among 30 tested plant food materials, the extract of Schizandra chinensis inactivated Eubacterium limosum, Bacteroides fragilis and Clostridium spp. Additionally, S. chinensis extract was also found to have a growth-promoting effect on Bifidobacterium spp.. The antimicrobial activity and antioxidant activity of the water extract did not decrease in respond to heating. Additionally, the water extract of S. chinensis did not show a toxic effect on the growth of Caco-2 cells. In vivo feeding tests were performed to investigate the influence of extract on the intestinal microflora in rats. Although the extract did not reduce obesity induced by a high fat diet, it led to significant increase in the population of Bifidobacterium spp. and a decrease in the population of Clostridium spp. in rats. Taken together, these results indicate that S. chinensis could be useful as a functional food component to control intestinal microbial flora.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
• /
• v.6 no.4
• /
• pp.51-59
• /
• 2001

Column and box tests were performed to investigate the removal efficiency of NAPL using the surfactant enhanced flushing In heterogeneous medium. Homogeneous Ottawa sand and heterogeneous soil were used to verify the increase of remediation efficiency for the surfactant enhanced flushing in column test. Box tests with two different heterogeneous sub-structure were performed to quantify the capability of the surfactant enhanced flushing as a remediation method to remove NAPL from the heterogeneous medium. Two different grain size sand layers were repeated in the box to simulate the heterogeneous layer formation and the modified fault structure was built to simulate the fault system in the box. O-xylene as a LNAPL and PCE as a DNAPL were used and oleamide as a non-ionic surfactant. The maximum NAPL effluent concentration with 1% oleamide flushing in the homogeneous column test increased about 460 times compared to that with only water flushing and about 250 times increased in the real soil column test. In heterogeneous medium, the maximum effluent concentration increased about 150 times in 1% oleamide flushing and most of NAPL were removed from the box within 8 pore volume flushing, suggesting that the removal efficiency increased very much compared to in only water flushing. Results investigated the capability of the surfactant enhanced remediation method to remove NAPL even in heterogeneous medium.