• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.128-137
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• 2024

This review discusses the pivotal role of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, vital processes influencing vascular permeability, endothelial cell recruitment, and the maintenance of tumor-associated blood and lymphatic vessels. VEGF exerts its effects through tyrosine-kinase receptors, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3. This VEGF-VEGFR system is central not only to cancer but also to diseases arising from abnormal blood vessel and lymphatic vessel formation. In the context of cancer, VEGF and its receptors are essential for the development of tumor-associated vessels, making them attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. Various approaches, such as anti-VEGF antibodies, receptor antagonists, and VEGF receptor function inhibitors, are being explored to interfere with tumor growth. However, the clinical efficacy of anti-angiogenic agents remains uncertain and necessitates further refinement. The article also highlights the physiological role of VEGFs, emphasizing their involvement in endothelial cell functions, survival, and vascular permeability. The identification of five distinct VEGFs in humans (VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and PLGF) is discussed, along with the classification of VEGFRs as typical receptor tyrosine kinases with distinct signaling systems. The family includes VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2, crucial in tumor biology and angiogenesis, and VEGFR-3, specifically involved in lymphangiogenesis. Overall, this review has provided a comprehensive overview of VEGF and VEGFR, detailing their roles in various diseases, including cancer. This is expected to further facilitate the utilization of VEGF and VEGFR as therapeutic targets.

• Journal of the Optical Society of Korea
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.68-72
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• 2013

We developed an SD-OCT (Spectral Domain-Optical Coherence Tomography) system which uses a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) for processing. The image size from the SD-OCT system is $1024{\times}512$ and the speed is 110 frame/sec in real-time. K-domain linearization, FFT (Fast Fourier Transform), and log scaling were included in the GPU processing. The signal processing speed was about 62 ms using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and 1.6 ms using a GPU, which is 39 times faster. We performed an in-vivo retinal scan, and reconstructed a 3D visualization based on C-scan images. As a result, there were minimal motion artifacts and we confirmed that tomograms of blood vessels, the optic nerve, and the optic disk are clearly identified. According to the results of this study, this SD-OCT can be applied to real-time 3D display technology, particularly auxiliary instruments for eye operations in ophthalmology.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.11
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• pp.1114-1130
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• 2023

Magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) is increasingly used to visualize peripheral nerves in vivo. However, the implementation and interpretation of MRN in the brachial and lumbosacral plexi are challenging because of the anatomical complexity and technical limitations. The purpose of this article was to review the clinical context of MRN, describe advanced magnetic resonance (MR) techniques for plexus imaging, and list the general categories of utility of MRN with pertinent imaging examples. The selection and optimization of MR sequences are centered on the homogeneous suppression of fat and blood vessels while enhancing the visibility of the plexus and its branches. Standard 2D fast spin-echo sequences are essential to assess morphology and signal intensity of nerves. Moreover, nerve-selective 3D isotropic images allow improved visualization of nerves and multiplanar reconstruction along their course. Diffusion-weighted and diffusion-tensor images offer microscopic and functional insights into peripheral nerves. The interpretation of MRN in the brachial and lumbosacral plexi should be based on a thorough understanding of their anatomy and pathophysiology. Anatomical landmarks assist in identifying brachial and lumbosacral plexus components of interest. Thus, understanding the varying patterns of nerve abnormalities facilitates the interpretation of aberrant findings.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Visualization
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.84-89
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• 2020

Cancer cells secrete angiogenic factors, and nearby vasculatures make new blood vessels essential for cancer development and metastasis in response to these soluble factors. Many efforts have been made to elucidate cancer-endothelial cell interactions in vitro. However, not much is known due to the lack of a suitable co-culture platform. Here, we introduce a 3D printing-based microfluidic system that mimics the in vivo-like cancer-endothelial cell interactions. The tumoroids and endothelial cells are co-cultured, physically separated by porous fibrin gel, allowing communication between two cell types through soluble factors. Using this microfluidic system, we were able to visualize new vessel formation induced by tumoroids of different origins, including liver, breast, and ovary. We confirmed that the ovarian tumoroids most induced angiogenesis while the other two cancer types suppressed it. Utilization of the proposed co-culture platform will help the researchers unveil the underlying mechanisms of the dynamic interplay between tumor and angiogenesis.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.10
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• pp.1643-1652
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• 2021

Objective: Two experiments were conducted to provide a new approach for evaluating feed nutritional value by metabolizable glucose (MG) in piglet diets with different levels of starch and crude fiber. In Exp 1, a regression equation for MG was generated. In Exp 2, the equation was verified, and the optimal growth performance of piglets under appropriate MG levels was tested. Methods: In Exp 1, 20 weaned piglets (7.74±0.81 kg body weight [BW]) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments, including the basal diet containing different levels of MG (starch, 25.80%, 31.67%, 45.71%, 49.36%; crude fiber, 1.23%, 1.35%, 1.80%, 1.51%). The piglets were implanted with an ileal fistula, cannulation of the carotid artery, portal vein, and mesenteric artery. The chyme from the ileum fistula and blood samples were collected. In Exp 2, 30 weaned piglets (8.96±0.50 kg BW) were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments, including the experimental diets with different levels of MG (37.6, 132.5, 300.0, 354.3, and 412.5 g/kg). The piglets' BW, and feed consumption were recorded to calculate growth performance during the 28-d experiment. Results: In Exp 1, the MG levels in 4 diets were 239.62, 280.68, 400.79, and 454.35 g/kg. The regression equation for the MG levels and dietary nutrients was: Y (MG) = 12.13×X₁ (starch)+23.18×X₂ (crude fiber)-196.44 (R² = 0.9989, p = 0.033). In Exp 2, treatments with 132.5 and 300.0 g/kg MG significantly (p<0.05) increased average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency of weaned piglets, increased digestibility of crude fat, and had no effect on digestibility of crude protein compared to 300.0 to 412.5 g/kg MG. Conclusion: The pig model combining the ileum fistula and cannulation of blood vessels was successfully used to determine the dietary MG levels. The recommended MG level in weaned pig diets is 132.5 to 300.0 g/kg.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.145-155
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: Embryologically, mesodermal development is closely related to the development of various organs such as muscles, blood vessels, and hearts, which are the main organs that make up the body. However, treatment for mesoderm developmental disorders caused by congenital or acquired factors has so far relied on surgery and drug treatment for symptom relief, and more fundamentally, treatment for mesoderm developmental disorders is needed. Methods and Results: In our study, microRNA (miRNA), which plays an important role in the mesoderm development process, was identified and the developmental function was evaluated. miRNAs consist of small nucleotides, which act as transcription factors that bind to the 3' untranslated region and suppressed target gene expression. We constructed the human embryonic stem cell (hESC) knockout cell line and analyzed the function and characteristics of miR-5739, which plays an important role in mesoderm lineage. miR-5739 acts as a transcription factor targeting SMA, Brachyury T, Hand1, which controls muscle proliferation and differentiation, and KDR gene, which regulates vessel formation in vitro. In vivo results suggest a role in regulating muscle proliferation and differentiation. Gene ontology analysis confirmed that the miR-5739 is closely related to genes that regulate muscle and vessel proliferation and differentiation. Importantly, abnormal expression of miR-5739 was detected in somatic cells derived from patients with congenital muscle disease. Conclusions: Our study demonstrate that miR-5739 gene function significantly affects transcriptional circuits that regulate muscle and vascular differentiation during embryonic development.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.169-176
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• 2009

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a syndrome accompanied with the abnormal secretion or function of insulin, a hormone that plays a vital role in controlling the blood glucose level (BGL). Type land 2 DM are most common form and the prevalence of the latter is recently increasing, The aim of this article was to assess whet her Type 2 DM could act as a predisposing risk factor on the pulpo-periapical pathogenesis. Previous literature on the pathologic changes of blood vessels in DM was thoroughly reviewed. Furthermore, a histopathologic analysis of artificially-induced periapical specimens obtained from Type 2 diabetic and DM-resistant rats was compared. Histopathologic results demonstrate that the size of periapical bone destruction w as larger and the degree of pulpal inflammation was more severe in diabetic rats, indicating that Type 2 D M itself can be a predisposing risk factor that makes the host more susceptible to pulpal infection. The possible reasons may be that in diabetic state the lumen of pulpal blood vessels are thickened by atheromatous deposits, and microcirculation is hindered, The function of polymorphonuclear leukocyte is also impair ed and the migration of immune cells is blocked, leading to increased chance of pulpal infection. Also, lack of collateral circulation of pulpal blood vessels makes the pulp more susceptible to infection. These decrease the regeneration capacity of pulpal cells or tissues, delaying the healing process, Therefore, when restorative treatment is needed in Type 2 DM patients, dentists should minimize irritation to the pulpal tissue un der control of BGL.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.173-178
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• 2020

Remote control intervention surgery robotic system improves treatment effect on cardiovascular patients and reduces X-ray exposure. However, at the time of the first procedure, CT (computerized tomography) and other ultrasound diagnostic equipment should be used because the operator must insert the cannula directly into the patient's leg. Improvements to this have been un-met-needs of hospitals. In this paper, we developed a system that can insert the cannula intuitively and quickly by displaying blood vessels at a glance through the system using smart wearable glasses. The core development method is as follows. In order to project augmented reality onto the surgical image, CT scan angiography image is extracted and processed. In the process, three CT-Markers are used to create a coordinate system of blood vessel images. Additionally, a reference marker is photographed on a single camera to obtain a camera coordinate system. Since the CT marker and the reference marker are in the same position, 3D registration is performed. In the text, a detailed explanation will be given.

• The Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.141-153
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• 2000

The several Chinese herbs such as Soon-Ki-Hwal-Hyul-Tang, Bo-Yang-Hwan-O-Tang, Seong-Hyang-Jeong-Ki-San, So-Hap-Hyang-Won and O-Yak-Soon-Ki-San were extracted with water and then lyophilized. For identification of the effect of extracted herbs, they were medicated to 103 patients of cerebrovascular accident for 4 week. They were hospitalized in D-Oriental Medical Hospital from April to August in 1999. The herbs were extracted with water and lyophilized and then, used as samples. The medical history of each patient was detected and analyzed from their medical records. The results were as follows; 1) Each sample (Soon-Ki-Hwal-Hyul-Tang, Bo-Yang-Hwan-O-Tang, Seong-Hyang-Jeong-Ki-San, and O-Yak-Soon-Ki-San) was statistically significant differences of systolic blood pressure(t=4.22, P=0.0004; t=3.44, P=0.0028; t=2.11, P=0.0463; t=3.23, P=0.0052). The statistically significant difference of diastolic blood pressure showed by medicated with Soon-Ki-Hwal-Hyal-Tang, Seong-Hyang-Jeong-Ki-San, and O-Yak-Soon-ki-San (t=2.13, P=0.0459; t=2.68, P=0.0136; t=3.12, P=0.0066). 2) The statistically significant difference of the arm/leg-ROM showed by medicated with Soon-Ki-Hwal-Hyul-Tang, Bo-Yang-Hwan-O Tang, So-Hap-Hyang-Won(t=4.74/4.95, P=0.0002/0.0001; t=2.25/2.44, P=0.0368/0.0248; t=5.85/6.76, P=0.0001/0.0001). 3) In the verbal disorder, Soon-Ki-Hwal-Hyul-Tang, Bo-Yang-Hwan-O-Tang had statistically significant differences(t=4.50, P=0.0002; t=3.32, P=0.0036). 4) In the conscious disorder, Soon-Ki-Hwal-Hyul-Tang, Bo-Yang-Hwan-O-Tang, Seong-Hyang-Jeong-Ki-San, and So-Hap-Hyang-Won had statistically significant differences(t=6.32, P =0.0001; t=8.32, P=0.0001; t=3.74, P=0.0012; t=5.14, P=0.0001). 5) Bovine aortic endothelial cell (BAEC) were cultured in DMEM treating 0.01mg/ml, and 0.1mg/ml of each lyophilized samples for 24 hours. In BAECs were treated by 5 kinds of samples, the effect of So-Hyap-Hyang-Won induced syncytium of adjacent endothelial cells. It may induce the recovering of the damaged blood vessels in cerebrovascular accidental patient by angiogensis of endothelial cells. Therefore, it suggests that the medication of So-Hap-Hyang-Won will help to nursing care for cerebrovascular accidental patients.

• Advances in pediatric surgery
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.71-76
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• 1997

A 3-year-old boy with a Wilms' tumor had unusually severe hypertension, polydipsia, polyuria and hypokalemia. Physical examination on admission was unremarkable except for the presence of a smooth, firm mass in the right abdomen. Computerized tomography showed a tumor occupying the upper two thirds of the right kidney. Plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentration were markedly elevated, 37.7 mg/ml/hour(normal in supine position 0.15-2.33 mg/ml/hour) and 120.1 ng/dL(normal in supine position 1 to 16 ng/dL), respectively. Hypertension varied from 150/90 mmHg to 240/180 mmHg, and was not effectively controlled by antihypertensive drugs. Right nephrectomy was performed on the sixth hospital day. At laparatomy, there was no evidence of mechenical compression of the renal artery by the tumor. The tumor, about 8 cm in diameter, was confined to the renal capsule without involvement of the renal blood vessels at the hilum. Histopathology was Wilms' tumor of favorable histology. On electron microscopy, tumor cells contained intracytoplasmic electron dense secreting graules, suggesting the possibility of renin secreting tumor cells. Shortly after nephrectomy, signs and symptoms were relieved dramatically, and plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentration were also decreased to normal.