• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2018

During early pregnancy, before the development of a functioning thyroid gland, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a very sensitive marker of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy. Normal values have been modified during gestation with a downward shift. The fetus is influenced by the TSH supplied by the mother. TSH and free thyroxine (FT4) concentrations vary during pregnancy and conventional units can vary between laboratories. A downward shift of the TSH reference range occurs during pregnancy, with a decrease in both the lower and upper limits of maternal TSH, relative to the typical non-pregnant TSH reference range. Each laboratory produces its own reference TSH and FT4 concentrations because there are many different assays that yield different results in pregnancy. Therefore, automated immunoassays used for serum FT4 analysis are still used widely, but the important considerations discussed above must be noted. The use of population-based, trimester-specific reference ranges remains the best way to handle this issue The slight downward shift in the upper reference range of TSH occurring in the latter first trimester (7~12 weeks) of pregnancy, typically not observed prior to 7 weeks. Their use indicates high or low levels in a quantitative manner independent of the reference ranges. These data highlight the importance of calculating population-based pregnancy-specific thyroid parameter reference intervals. A precision medicine initiative in this area will require the collection and analysis of a large number of genetic, biological, psychosocial, and environmental variables in large cohorts of individuals. Large prospective randomized controlled trials will be needed to resolve these controversies.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.213-219
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• 2008

The plasticity of nervous system is generated not only due to changes in neurons but also due to changes in neuroglial cells. Astrocyte is important for maintaining the normal brain function and controlling the neuronal functions. The amygdala receives an array of important sensory information of danger signals. This information is further transduced and integrated to produce the highly adaptive emotion, fear. In this study, morphometric changes in the cell bodies of astrocytes in the amygdala, induced by prenatal stress and restraint stress were examined. For this purpose. rats were classified into 4 groups; control group (CON), only restraint-stressed (starting on P90 for 3 days) group (CONR), prenatally-stressed group (PNS), and prenatally and restraint (on P90 for 3 days) stressed group (PNSR). Astrocytes were verified with anti-GFAP immunohistochemistry, counter stained with methylene blue/azure II and were examined using the Neurolucida. Results showed that astrocytes in the amygdala of PNS rats had significantly larger cell bodies than did CON rats and this was enhanced further by restraint stress. Thus this data showed that hypertrophy of the astrocytic cell bodies of amygdala complex is induced by prenatal and restraint stress.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.329-336
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• 2017

This study examined the effects of polyphenols in grape pruning stem extracts (GPSE) using grape stems discarded after harvest. The inhibitory effects on allergy, proliferation, and apoptosis in UVB-induced HR-1 hairless mice were analyzed. The applicability as a material for functional food and functional cosmetics was evaluated. The contents of the active ingredients of GPSE were analyzed by HPLC. After UVB irradiation on the dermis of HR-1 hairless mice, the number of mast cells was determined by toluidine blue staining to confirm that the skin allergic reaction was caused by GPSE. The results were similar to the normal group in the group applied GPSE, and there was no allergic reaction in the GPSE application group and a significant decreased compared to the sun cream control. PCNA immunohistochemical staining of the epidermal proliferation factor had an inhibitory effect on epidermal epithelial cell proliferation in all concentrations of GPSE and serum base mixture as an average of 42% compared to the control group. The mixture of GPSE and serum base suppressed the apoptosis inhibition rate by 27% on average compared to the control. These results confirmed the inhibitory effects GPSE on the allergic, proliferation, and apoptosis activities by with a serum base on UVB-induced skin damage. GPSE is a functional ingredient with potential skin protection effects, and has a high utilization as an ingredient for functional cosmetics.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.414-421
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• 2022

In this study, we isolated Weizmannia ginsengihumi LGHNH (KCTC 14462BP) from 30-year-old wild Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer and elucidated the characteristics of the isolated bacterium and its industrial potential as an anti-aging material. W. ginsengihumi LGHNH was investigated to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a plant growth-promoting hormone (1.38 ㎍/ml to 2.22 ㎍/ml). We also confirmed the existence of bioconversion activity via the comparison of the ginsenoside content before and after fermentation. As for the converted minor ginsenoside, Rg2(R), Rg4, Rg6, Rg3(S), Rg3(R), Rk1, Rg5, Rh1(R), Rk3 and Rh4 are known to have high bioavailability and various skin effects. We measured mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP biosynthesis to elucidate W. ginsengihumi LGHNH cultured product (WCP) as an anti-aging material. As a result, the mitochondrial membrane potential in HaCaT cells with UVB decreased to 39.3% compared to the unirradiated group, but was recovered to 57.3% and 58.1% by 0.001% (v/v) and 0.01% (v/v) WCP, respectively. In addition, we measured mitochondrial ATP biosynthesis. It decreased to 94.3% compared to the unirradiated group with UVB, but was recovered to 105.3% and 105.7% by 0.001% (v/v) and 0.01% (v/v) WCP.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.217-229
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• 2010

Objective: Apoptosis plays an important role for the maintenance of the normal pregnancy. Expression of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) is able to effectively prevent apoptosis and controls trophoblast cells death throughout placental development, but it is still unknown in the function of XIAP in trophoblast cells exposed to hypoxic condition, which is one of the factors causing preeclampsia. Therefore, we conducted to compare XIAP expression in normal and pre-eclamptic placenta tissues and analyzed the function of XIAP in HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cell line exposed to hypoxic condition. Methods: The expression of XIAP was analyzed in placental tissues from the following groups of patients (none underwent labor): 1) term normal placenta (n=15); 2) term with pre-eclamptic placeneta (n=15); and 3) pre-term with pre-eclamptic placenta (n=11) using semi-quantitative RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. In order to evaluate the function of XIAP in HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells under hypoxic condition, HIF-$1{\alpha}$ plasmids, and hypoxic condtion were transfected and treated into HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells for 24 hours, respectively. Results: We observed that XIAP are expressed in the syncytiotrophoblasts and syncytial knot of placental villi. The expression of XIAP was significantly decreased in preeclamptic placenta tissues than in normal placenta tissues without labor (p<0.05). Furthermore, we confirmed the XIAP expression in HTR-8/SVneo trophbolast cells exposed to hypoxia was translocated from cytoplasm into nucleus and decreased XIAP by hypoxic condition induced apoptosis in HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells through up-regulation of pro-apoptotic proteins. Conclusion: These results suggest that the expression of XIAP is involved in placental development as well as decreased expression of XIAP by hypoxia is associated with pre-eclampsia through inducing trophoblast cells apoptosis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.1199-1213
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• 1998

Background : The number of immunocompromised hosts has been increasing steadily and a new pulmonary infiltrate in these patients is a potentially lethal condition which needs rapid diagnosis and treatment. In this study we sought to examine the clinical manifestations, radiologic findings, and therapeutic outcomes of pulmonary mycoses presenting as a new pulmonary infiltrate in immunocompromised hosts. Method : All cases presenting as a new pulmonary infiltrate in immunocompromised hosts and confirmed to be pulmonary mycoses by pathologic examination or by positive culture from a sterile site between October of 1996 and April of 1998 were included in the study and their chart and radiologic findings were retrospectively reviewed. Results : In all, 14 cases of pulmonary mycoses from 13 patients(male : female ratio = 8 : 5, median age 47 yr) were found. Twelve cases were diagnosed as aspergillosis while two were diagnosed as mucormycosis. Major risk factors for fungal infections were chemotherapy for hematologic malignancy(10 cases) and organ transplant recipients(4 cases). Three cases were receiving empirical amphotericin B at the time of appearance of new lung infiltrates. Cases in the hematologic malignancy group had more prominent symptoms : fever(9/10), cough(6/10), sputum(5/10), dyspnea(4/10), chest pain(5/10). Patients in the organ transplant group had minimal symptoms(p<0.05). On simple chest films, all of the cases presented as single or multiple nodules(6/14) or consolidations(8/14). High resolution computed tomograph showed peri-lesional ground glass opacities(14/14), pleural effusions(5/14), and cavitary changes(7/14). Definitive diagnostic methods were as follows : 10 cases underwent minithoracotomy, 2 underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, 1 underwent percutaneous needle aspiration and 1 case was diagnosed by culture of abscess fluid. All cases received treatment with amphotericin B with 1 case each being treated with liposomal amphotericin B and itraconazole due to renal toxicity. Lung lesion improved in 12 of 14 patient but 4 patients died before completing therapy. Conclusion : When a new lung infiltrate develops presenting either as a nodule or consolidation in a neutropenic patient with hematologic malignancy or in a transplant recipient, you should always consider pulmonary mycoses as one of the differential diagnosis. By performing aggressive work up and early treatment, we may improve prognosis of these patients.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.94-107
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• 2000

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to know the clinical manifestations and the severity of adenoviral lower respiratory tract infections(LRTI) in Korean children. Methods : Adenoviral respiratory infection was diagnosed by viral culture in HEp-2 cell and indirect immunofluorescent technique with nasal aspirates. Isolated adenoviruses were typed by neutralization test. Retrospective chart review was done in patients with adenoviruses were typed by neutralization test. Retrospective chart review was done in patients with adenoviral lower respiratory tract infection, who were brought to Seoul National University Children's Hospital from November 1990 through February 1998. Results : Adenovirus was isolated in 87 cases. Of 84 cases serotyped, type 1 was recovered in 3 cases, type 2 in 13 cases, type 3 in 13, type 4 and 5 in 4 cases each other, type 6 in 1 cases, type 7 in 36 cases, type 11 in 1 case and the other types in 9 cases. Adenoviral lower respiratory infection occurred sporadically throughout the year but from November 1995 through February 1998, an outbreak of adenovirus type 7 lower respiratory infection was observed in number upto 36 case. The incidence of adenoviral infection peaked in young children between 6 months and 5 years of age and the mean age was 1 year 11 months old. There were 10 cases of mixed infection with another pathogen. Clinical diagnosis were pneumonia(88%), acute broncholitis(5.4%), acute tracheobronchitis(5.4%), croup(1.3%). The clinical features of adenoviral lower respiratory infection were severe especially in type 3 and 7 infections in aspect of fever duration, ventilator care. Extrapulmonary manifestations were gastrointestinal symptoms in 23 cases(31%), hepatomegaly in 36 cases(53%), seizure and mental alteration in 13 cases(20.3%). In chest radiographic findings, parahilar and peribronchial infiltration were in 49 cases(67%), hyperaeration in 21 cases(29%), atelectasis in 14 cases(19%), consolidation in 39 cases(53%) and bilateral pneumonic infiltration in 28 cases(38%). Among thirty six adenovirus type 7 LRTI, 15 patients(41.6%) had pleural effusion and 3 patients had chest tube insertion. Number of fetal cases related to adenovirus were 9 cases(12%) and fetal cases due to ventilatory failure were 7(11%). Conclusion : During 7 year period of studying adenoviral lower respiratory infection, we identified the serotypes of adenovirus. Among the serotypes, adenovirus type 7 were epidemically isolated. Adenovirus were isolated in severe lower respiratory infection of young children aged between 6 months and 5 years and related to death of the patients, especially when the patients had underlyng diseases or were infected by adenovirus type 7.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.63-70
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• 2001

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effective role of living-related liver transplantation (LRLT) on posttransplant linear growth in children. Methods: Thirty six children were enrolled who received LRLT at Asan Medical Center from December, 1994 to February, 1999 and showed more than one-year postoperative survival. Mean height standard deviation score (zH) was analyzed according to medical records including heights during pretransplant and posttransplant follow-up periods. Results: zH of total children showed significant linear growth after LRLT from -1.58 to 0.33 at 24 posttransplant month (p<0.05). zH in children under 6 years of age, to exclude the effect of adolescent linear growth spurt, showed increment in height (p<0.05). Linear growth of children with liver cirrhosis improved and that with fulminant hepatitis was matained same. While stunted children (mean zH=-2.30) achieved good catch-up growth after transplantation, children with normal growth remained same. Children with significant hepatic dysfunction after LRLT such as chronic rejection or posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder showed retarded posttrasplant linear growth. There was no statistical difference according to the type of immunosuppressants. Conclusion: LRLT resulted in adequate or catch-up linear growth in children with acute, chronic and metabolic liver disease. Successful LRLT suggested to be a promising option not only in long term survival but also in normal linear growth.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.150-157
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• 2002

Purpose: As the incidence of non-typhoidal salmonella strains resistant to antibiotics has been increased, we attempted to investigate clinical aspects of non-typhoidal salmonella gastroenteritis and antibiotics resistance. Methods: From January 2000 to June 2002, 99 children with positive stool culture of non-typhoidal salmonella were studied about clinical features, the incidence of antibiotics and multi-drug resistance and the difference of incidence of antibiotics resistance according to immune status. Results: There were 66 males and 33 females. The majority of them were under 5 years of age (71%). 25 children were immunocompromised due to chemotherapy, steroid or immunosuppressive treatment. Serogroup D was the most common isolates (65%) followed by B (16%), C (8%) and E (8%). Resistance rate of 30% to ampicillin, 12% to chloramphenicol, 20% to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), 11% to cefotaxime and 8% to cefixime were obtained. All isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacine. Resistance rate to cefotaxime and cefixime in immunocompromised patients was 24% and 14.3% respectively, which were significantly higher compared to that in immunocompetent patients (6.8%, 5.6%, p<0.05). 11 isolates were resistant to three or more antibiotics. The incidence of multi-drug resistant isolates was significantly higher in immunocompromised patients (24%) than that of immunocompetent patients (6.8%). Conclusion: Because of the high prevalence of non-typhoidal salmonella strains resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol and TMP-SMX, third-generation cephalosporin might be the treatment of choice in non-typhoidal salmonella gastroenteritis. In particular, antibiotics should be carefully selected in immunocompromised patients because non-typhoidal salmonellas from them showed the higher incidence of antibiotic resistance and multi-drug resistance.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.51-57
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• 2002

The biological activities of immune modulating activities of the extracts from Echinacea purpurea, Chrysanthmum indicum L. and Circium japonicum var. ussuriense KITAMURA were compared. About 70% of the growth of human hepatocarcinoma and 80% of human gastric cancer cell was inhibited in adding 0.5mg/ml of the ethanol extracts of Echinacea purpurea, Chrysanthmum indicum L. and Circium japonicum var. ussuriense KITAMURA, respectively. The growth of human breast cancer cells was also inhibited in adding 0.5mg/ml of the extracts as well as 60% of the human cancer cells. It was proved that the growth of human normal lung cell, scored as 15% for the extracts. Overall selectivity of the extracts on several human cancer cell line was over 3, which is higher than those from the conventional herbs. The growth of both human immune B and T cells was enhanced up to 1.4 to 2.0 times by adding the extracts, compared to the controls. The secretion of tumor necrosis $factor-alpha(TNF-{\alpha})$ from T cell was also increased up to 94 pg/ml in adding the Echinacea purpurea ethanol extract (0.5mg/ml). Circium japonicum var. ethanol extract also increased up to about 96 pg/ml of interleukin-6(IL-6) from B cell.