• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.281-286
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• 2017

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine is the preferred diagnostic tool for pathologic conditions affecting the spine. However, in patients receiving epidural corticosteroid injection (ESI) for treatment of spinal diseases, there is a possibility of misreading of MR images because of air or fluid in the epidural space after the injection. Therefore, we defined the characteristics of abnormal changes in MRI findings following an ESI in patients with low back pain. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 133 patients who underwent MRI of the lumbar spine within 7 days after ESI between 2006 and 2015. All patients were administered an ESI using a 22-gauge Tuohy needle at the lumbar spine through the interlaminar approach. The epidural space was identified by the loss of resistance technique with air. Results: The incidences of abnormal changes in MRI findings because of ESI were 54%, 31%, and 25% in patients who underwent MRI at approximately 24 h, and 2 and 3 days after ESI, respectively. Abnormal MRI findings included epidural air or fluid, needle tracks, and soft tissue changes. Epidural air, the most frequent abnormal finding (82%), was observed in 41% of patients who underwent MRI within 3 days after injection. Abnormal findings due to an ESI were not observed in MR images acquired 4 days after ESI or later. Conclusions: Pain physicians should consider the possibility of abnormal findings in MR images acquired after epidural injection using the interlaminar approach and the loss of resistance technique with air at the lumbar spine.

• BMB Reports
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.9-16
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• 2005

Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-$\beta$ family, including TGF-$\beta$, bone morphorgenic protein (BMP), and activn, plays an important role in essential cellular functions such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, tissue remodeling, angiognesis, immune responses, and cell adhesions. TGF-$\beta$ predominantly transmits the signals through serine/threonine receptor kinases and cytoplasmic proteins called Smads. Since the discovery of TGF-$\beta$ in the early 1980s, the dysregulation of TGF-$\beta$/Smad signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of human diseases. Among signal transducers in TGF-$\beta$/Smad signaling, inhibitory Smads (I-Smads), Smad6 and Smad7, act as major negative regulators forming autoinhibitory feedback loops and mediate the cross-talking with other signaling pathways. Expressions of I-Smads are mainly regulated on the transcriptional levels and post-translational protein degradations and their intracellular levels are tightly controlled to maintain the homeostatic balances. However, abnormal levels of I-Smads in the pathological conditions elicit the altered TGF-$\beta$ signaling in cells, eventually causing TGF-$\beta$-related human diseases. Thus, exploring the molecular mechanisms about the regulations of I-Smads may provide the therapeutic clues for human diseases induced by the abnormal TGF-$\beta$ signaling.

• BMB Reports
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.322-327
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• 2008

In this study, we compared the gene expression profiles of non-syndromic hyperplastic dental follicle (HDF) fibroblasts and normal dental follicle (NDF) fibroblasts using cDNA micro-arrays, quantitative PCR, and immunohistochemical staining. Microarray analysis showed that several collagens genes were upregulated in the HDF's, including collagen types I, IV, VIII, and XI and TIMP-1, -3, and -4 (fold ratio > 2.0). In contrast, the expression of MMP-1, -3, -10, and -16 together with IL-8 was more than two fold downregulated. The differential expression of the genes encoding alkaline phosphatase, MMP-1, -3, -8, and IL-8 was confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR, while that of 24 HDFs and 18 NDFs was confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis. However, HDFs showed stronger expression of MMP-3 than NDFs (P < 0.001). Collectively, these results indicate that defective regulation of MMPs mediating connective tissue remodeling may be responsible for abnormal tooth eruption.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.423-433
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• 1997

The acute and subacute toxicity of water soluble dimethyl dimethoxy biphenylate derivative (new DDB), hepatitis therapeutics, were investigated in SD rats. In the acute toxicity study, body weights and clinical signs were observed for 7 days after the intravenous injection of new DDB at doses of 140, 182, 236, 307 and 400 mg/kg(r=1.3). Death. Severe convulsion, tremor and decrease motor activity were observed in almost treated groups (except the 140 mg/kg treated group). Changes of body weight in treated groups were not significantly different from control group. Autopsy of survived animals revealed no abnormal gross findings related to new DDB. As a results, the $LD_{50}$ values of new DDB were 244.1 mg/kg for male and 232.5 mg/kg for female. In subacute toxicity study, body weights and clinical signs were observed after intravenous injection of new DDB at doses of 57, 75 and 100 mg/kg/day for 28 days. Death, decrease motor activity and tremor were observed above 75 mg/kg treated groups. Statistically significant changes were observed in hematological and biochemical parameters of new DDB-treated groups; however, these changes were within normal range and had no relationship with dosage. Several abnormal findings were observed in microscopic examination of tissue; however, these findings were not caused by new DDB but environmental factor. The no toxic dose level of new DDB were estimated to be 57 mg/kg/day in this study.

• Proceedings of the Materials Research Society of Korea Conference
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• 2009.05a
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• pp.7.1-7.1
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• 2009

The use of Duplex stainless steel as a thermo-implant categorizes into two clinical applications: hyperthermia and thermal ablation or destruction. The goal of hyperthermia is to destroy the heat-sensitive abnormal cells and minimize normal cell death maintaining heat between $42^{\circ}C$ and $46^{\circ}C$. Thermal ablation takes place when the local tissue temperature increases greater than $46^{\circ}C$. This elevated temperature denatures protein irreversibly resulting cellular death. The author introduced several thermo-implants such as thermo-rod, thermo-stent, thermo-coil and thermoacupuncture-needle. Those thermo-implants are made of duplex stainless steel which can produce regulated heat by itself within an induction magnetic field. Thermal ablation characteristics of the thermo-rod on tumor hyperthermia depend on configurations of the thermo-rods and the magnitude of the induction magnetic strength. The exothermic properties of the thermo-implants can be characterized using the calorimetric test and the heat affected zone(HAZ) analyses in vitro. Thermal radiation studies using thermo-coils and thermo-stents show the capability of the occlusion of animal blood vessels and inhibiting the proliferation of the abnormal smooth muscle cell growth and inflammatory cell reactions maintaining the heat between $42^{\circ}C$ and $46^{\circ}C$ minimizing a normal cell death in the study on external iliac artery of the New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit. Thermal stimulation study using thermo-acupuncture needles suggests the potential applications of the automated acupunctural therapies.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.305-310
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to classify the concentration of HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin), which is an indicator in the management of accurate blood glucose level in diabetic patients, using a non-invasive optical property measurement method. To measure the optical properties of HbA1c, the optical source uses LEDs and laser diodes of 400 nm in the visible region and 1450 nm in the nearinfrared region using thermopile to detect the Raman scattering intensity. An HbA1c control solution was used. As a result, the optical properties of 5% (normal) and 9% (abnormal) HbA1c control solutions showed specificity in which the output values were reversed at 850 nm and 950 nm, respectively. This property was applied to distinguish between normal and abnormal values in diabetes. In addition, considering tissue penetration depths for non-invasive measurements, two wavelengths were determined to be effective in distinguishing the concentrations of HbA1c control solutions at 5%, 7%, and 9%.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.431-434
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• 2005

A 2-year-old castrated male, Cocker spaniel dog with a history of chronic productive cough for 2 to 3 months and with unsuccessful treatment was referred to Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Seoul National University. On thoracic radiographs, there were alveolar infiltrations at left cranial and right caudal lung fields, and soft-tissue opacity round to oval images at overall lung field. The bronchi were dilated, tortuous and not tapered. Abnormal air was accumulated focally in the caudodorsal lung fields. To scrutinize the soft-tissue opacity image and accumulated air, computed tomography (CT) was done. On CT images, severe cylindrical or tubular bronchiectasis was confirmed. And the soft-tissue opacity images were found in the dilated bilated and thought to complexes of mucous plugs, inflammatory cells, necrotic and fibrotic tissue. The dog was dead next day to the CT scan, so necropsy and histopathologic examination were perfermed. On the histopathology, there were cylindrical bronhiectasis and severe diffuse chronic fibrinous necropurulent bronchitis and bronchopneumonia. In this case, it was difficult to diagnose the bronchiectasis only with radiography due to the concurrent lesions, such as pulmonary infiltrations and mucous plugs, which was identified by computed tomography. Thus, computed tomography is considered as a useful modality to confirm tile bronchiectasis camouflaged by the concurrent lesion.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.61 no.9
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• pp.271-278
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• 2018

Purpose: Abnormal potassium channels expression affects vessel function, including vascular tone and proliferation rate. Diverse potassium channels, including voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels, are involved in pathological changes of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Since the role of the Kv1.7 channel in PAH has not been previously studied, we investigated whether Kv1.7 channel expression changes in the lung tissue of a monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH rat model and whether this change is influenced by the endothelin (ET)-1 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathways. Methods: Rats were separated into 2 groups: the control (C) group and the MCT (M) group (60 mg/kg MCT). A hemodynamic study was performed by catheterization into the external jugular vein to estimate the right ventricular pressure (RVP), and pathological changes in the lung tissue were investigated. Changes in protein and mRNA levels were confirmed by western blot and polymerase chain reaction analysis, respectively. Results: MCT caused increased RVP, medial wall thickening of the pulmonary arterioles, and increased expression level of ET-1, ET receptor A, and NADPH oxidase (NOX) 4 proteins. Decreased Kv1.7 channel expression was detected in the lung tissue. Inward-rectifier channel 6.1 expression in the lung tissue also increased. We confirmed that ET-1 increased NOX4 level and decreased glutathione peroxidase-1 level in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). ET-1 increased ROS level in PASMCs. Conclusion: Decreased Kv1.7 channel expression might be caused by the ET-1 and ROS pathways and contributes to MCT-induced PAH.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.806-810
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• 2009

Purpose: Gynecomastia is an abnormal increase in the volume of the male breast. Subcutaneous mastectomy was the first surgical treatment for gynecomastia. But because of the complications such as nerve injury and scar formation, subcutaneous mastectomy has been substituted with liposuction. Recently various techniques including ultrasound - assisted liposuction has been used for treatment of gynecomastia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of XPS$^{(R)}$ microresector(Shaver) for treatment of gynecomastia. Methods: 17 patients, 33 breasts of gynecomastia, Simon grade I or II have been treated with XPS$^{(R)}$ microresector(Shaver). The mean age was 24.5. The subcutaneous tissue and glandular tissue were removed with XPS$^{(R)}$ microresector(Shaver). The operation time, the weight of removed tissue and patients' satisfaction score were accessed. Results: The mean operation time was 78.2 minutes. The mean weight of removed tissue was 113.8 g. There was no significant complications such as necrosis, hematoma, infection or scar contracture. Patients' satisfactory score of scar, shape and confidence were 8.4, 8.2 and 8.4 respectively. As the average score was 8.3, almost patients were satisfied with their breasts. Conclusion: The authors have treated 17 patients suffering from gynecomastia with XPS$^{(R)}$ microresector(Shaver). We obtained short operation time, early recovery, minimal operative scar and less complications with XPS$^{(R)}$ microresector(Shaver) for the treatment of gynecomastia, and patients were satisfied with the results of our method. We concluded XPS$^{(R)}$ microresector(Shaver) is an alternative option for the treatment of gynecomastia.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.209-220
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• 2000

Spasticity, an abnormal increase in resting muscle tone, is one of the most common symptoms of stroke, and its management is becoming a major issue in rehabilitation. The aims of this study are to determine the effects of electroacupuncture(EA), TENS and neuromuscular electric stimulation(NMES) on spasticity, as well as the possibility of tissue comliance method as a spasticity scale. 45 stroke patients participated in a study of the effects on hemiplegic spasticity of EA, TENS and NMES. Spasticity was measured by modified Ashworth scale on the upper extremity and tissue compliance measurement, penetration mm/kg, on Susamni(LI10) area at just before and after stimulation, and 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours and 24 hours after stimulation. The acupuncture points were applied to Kokchi(LI11), Susamni(LI10), Hapkok(LI4) and Oegwan(TE5) of the affected limb. The electrodes were placed unilaterally on LI11 to LI10 and TE5 to LI4. EA with biphasic wave, 60Hz, 0.4 msec pulse duration and low intensity was applied continuously for 20 minutes. TENS with high frequency, low intensity was applied. NMES was applied with spasticity program for 20 minutes. Each electric stimulation was done on extensor muscles group of forearm for 20 minutes. EA and NMES groups were found to produce a statistically significant decrease(p〈0.05) of spasticity and these effects lasted up to 30 minutes after stimulation. There was no definite correlation between the modified Ashworth scale and tissue compliance measurement. But tissure compliance method was found to be possible as a quantitative measurement on spasticity. There was no significant correlation between the effects of EA and NMES and the characteristics of patient, but significant correlation between the effects of EA and NMES and the modified Ashworth scale.