• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.12
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• pp.1622-1626
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• 2007

This study was conducted to identify useful single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and determine their association with economically important traits in pig population. Four candidate gene analyses have identified important chromosomal regions and major genes associcated whit economic traits of the pig. For application of the chromosomal information to the pig industry using DNA technology, SNP markers were developed by comparative re-sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of 4 candidate genes (CSF2, IL4, MYOD, RIP140). PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assays were developed for these 4 SNPs and used to genotype Berkshire pig populations in Korea.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.370-377
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• 2009

Objective : There is no definite adjustment protocol for patients shunted with programmable valves. Therefore, we attempted to find an appropriate method to adjust the valve, initial valve-opening pressure, adjustment scale, adjustment time interval, and final valve-opening pressure of a programmable valve. Methods : Seventy patients with hydrocephalus of various etiologies were shunted with programmable shunting devices (Micro Valve with $RICKHAM^{(R)}$ Reservoir). The most common initial diseases were subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and head trauma. Sixty-six patients had a communicating type of hydrocephalus, and 4 had an obstructive type of hydrocephalus. Fifty-one patients had normal pressure-type hydrocephalus and 19 patients had high pressure-type hydrocephalus. We set the initial valve pressure to $10-30\;mmH_2O$, which is lower than the preoperative lumbar tapping pressure or the intraoperative ventricular tapping pressure, conducted brain computerized tomographic (CT) scans every 2 to 3 weeks, correlated results with clinical symptoms, and reset valve-opening pressures. Results : Initial valve-opening pressures varied from 30 to $180\;mmH_2O$ (mean, $102{\pm}27.5\;mmH_2O$). In high pressure-type hydrocephalus patients, we have set the initial valve-opening pressure from 100 to $180\;mmH_2O$. We decreased the valve-opening pressure $20-30\;mmH_2O$ at every 2- or 3-week interval, until hydrocephalus-related symptoms improved and the size of the ventricle was normalized. There were 154 adjustments in 81 operations (mean, 1.9 times). In 19 high pressure-type patients, final valve-opening pressures were $30-160\;mmH_2O$, and 16 (84%) patients' symptoms had nearly improved completely. However, in 51 normal pressure-type patients, only 31 (61%) had improved. Surprisingly, in 22 of the 31 normal pressure-type improved patients, final valve-opening pressures were $30\;mmH_2O$ (16 patients) and $40\;mmH_2O$ (6 patients). Furthermore, when final valve-opening pressures were adjusted to $30\;mmH_2O$, 14 patients symptom was improved just at the point. There were 18 (22%) major complications : 7 subdural hygroma, 6 shunt obstructions, and 5 shunt infections. Conclusion : In normal pressure-type hydrocephalus, most patients improved when the final valve-opening pressure was $30\;mmH_2O$. We suggest that all normal pressure-type hydrocephalus patients be shunted with programmable valves, and their initial valve-opening pressures set to $10-30\;mmH_2O$ below their preoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressures. If final valve-opening pressures are lowered in 20 or $30\;mmH_2O$ scale at 2- or 3-week intervals, reaching a final pressure of $30\;mmH_2O$, we believe that there is a low risk of overdrainage syndromes.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.7
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• pp.1054-1065
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• 2010

SH21B is a natural composition composed of seven herbs: Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Prunus armeniaca Maxim, Ephedra sinica Stapf, Acorus gramineus Soland, Typha orientalis Presl, Polygala tenuifolia Willd and Nelumbo nucifera Gaertner (Ratio 3:3:3:3:3:2:2). In our previous study, we reported that SH21B inhibited adipogenesis and fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells through modulation of various regulators in the adipogenesis pathway. The aim of this study was to analyze the transcriptome profiles for the anti-adipogenic effects of SH21B in 3T3-L1 cells. Total RNAs from SH21B-treated 3T3-L1 cells were reverse-transcribed into cDNAs and hybridized to Affymetrix Mouse Gene 1.0 ST array. From microarray analyses, we identified 2,568 genes of which expressions were changed more than two-fold by SH21B, and the clustering analyses of these genes resulted in 9 clusters. Three clusters among the 9 showed down-regulation by SH21B (cluster 4, cluster 6 and cluster 9), and two clusters showed up-regulation by SH21B (cluster 7 and cluster 8) during the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells. It was found that many genes related to cell proliferation and adipogenesis were included in these clusters. Clusters 4, 6 and 9 included genes which were related with adipogenesis induction and cell cycle arrest. Clusters 7 and 8 included genes related to cell proliferation as well as adipogenesis inhibition. These results suggest that the mechanisms of the anti-adipogenic effects of SH21B may be the modulation of genes involved in cell proliferation and adipogenesis.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.69-77
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• 1993

Treatment of cerebellar medulloblastoma has been much improved with modern surgical technique for gross total tumor removal and adequate radiation therapy for the whole craniospinal axis. Questions have been arosen about the optimal radiation dose for the preventive treatment of whole cranium and whole spinal axis. Recently, many authors have reported their treatment results as comparable to older data, using lower than conventional dose of 3,600 cGy-4,000 cGy. For 50 patients treated between 1981 and 1990 at the Department of Radiation Therapy of SNUH, retrospective analysis was done for the treatment result, especially the neuraxis control, by radiation dose for the presymptomatic area of the disease. Analysis only by total spinal dose did not give any significant difference. But further analysis by following patient group; 3,600 cGy/150 cGy (n=6), 3,000 cGy/150 cGy (n=10), 2,400 cGy/150 cGy (n=17) and 2,400 cGy/100-120 cGy (n=11) showed significant improvement of neuraxis control by decreasing order (p =0.003). There was no significant difference in overall survival between the groups. For the 19 patients who had been confirmed initially as having no neuraxis disease, TDF 30 was the cur-off value that could prevent neuraxis failure (p =0.004). We couldn't define any TDF value that give reasonable control for the patient group with positive CSF study at initial diagnosis.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.239-244
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• 1999

Purpose : In 1998, there was an outbreak of mumps in Taejon, Korea. We analyzed the monthly incidence, clinical manifestations, and complications during the outbreak and the annual incidence of the recent ten years. Methods : We reviewed the clinical records of 35 mumps patients who had been admitted to Taejon St. Mary's Hospital from January to December, 1998. Results : Mumps was prevalent in summer(from June to August) with 20 cases(57%). Thirthy-three patients(94.3%) received MMR at 15 months of age and no patients received a booster mumps vaccine. The mean age of the mumps patients was 10.5 years-old and the majority of mumps(71%) occurred between 5 and 12 year of age. The male female ratio was 2.2 : 1. The clinical manifestations were swelling of parotid gland(100%), fever (91%), vomiting(77%), abdominal pain(74%) and headache(66%) in order of frequency. Meningitis occurred in 20 cases(57%) and the mean WBC count of CSF was $464{\pm}263/mm^3$. In serology, the mean serum amylase level was $483{\pm}294IU/dL$ and anti-mumps IgM and IgG were positive in 11 and 15 out of 18 cases, respectively. From 1989 to 1997, the mean number of inpatients with mumps was 3.4 per year. Conclusion : We experienced an outbreak of mumps in 1998. It is suggested that there was a primary mumps vaccine failure in Korea and that further studies for vaccine faiure and method of booster mumps vaccine are necessary.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.12
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• pp.1224-1229
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• 2003

Purpose : Bacterial meningitis is a serious disease, especially in the neonatal period, and it carries a significant degree of mortality and morbidity. Group B streptococcus(GBS) is a common cause of neonatal bacterial meningitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical manifestations, treatment results and complications of GBS meningitis. Methods : We analyzed 29 cases retrospectively who had been admitted to the pediatric ward or NICU in Asan Medical Center from May 1990 to January 2002. They had proven GBS in culture or latex agglutination test in CSF. Results : The male to female ratio was 1 : 1.9. There were two cases of early onset type and 27 cases of late onset type. All cases had normal birth weight with full term at delivery. The perinatal predisposing factors were premature rupture of membrane(two cases), and maternal colonization(two cases). The most common presenting symptoms were fever and irritability. Associated diseases were GBS sepsis(21 cases). There was relatively high sensitivity to penicillin derivatives. There were abnormal brain CT or MRI findings in 16 cases(64%), such as infarction, encephalomalatic change, effusion, hydrocephalus, hemorrhage and abscess. The intensive care unit admission rate and the incidence of DIC were higher in the group with complications. Two cases were discharged against advice. Conclusion : We recommend early detection and active treatment in Group B streptococcal meningitis to improve the prognosis.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.10
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• pp.1077-1084
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• 2008

Purpose : Despite the seriousness of bacterial meningitis in children, there is little information on the incidence, causative organisms, mortality rate and age distribution. We studied the frequency by age group and causal pathogens, and clinical characteristics in children with bacterial meningitis in the private sector in Korea. Methods : The medical records containing the data on bacterial meningitis patients under 18 years of age confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings were retrospectively analyzed from September, 1993 to August, 2006 at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital. Results : Eighty-one cases of bacterial meningitis were observed. Overall the most common organism was Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus, GBS) (30 cases, 37.0%) followed by Haemophilus influenzae (22 cases, 27.2%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (12 cases, 14.8%), Escherichia coli (3 cases, 3.7%), Neisseria meningitidis (1 case, 1.2%) and others (13 cases, 16.0%). In neonates and young infants under 2 months, the most common organism was GBS. In children between 3 months, and 5 years, the most common organism was H. influenzae. S. pneumoniae was the most common organism in children over 5 years of age. Thirty-one patients (38.3%) had complications. Of all ages, the mortality rate of bacterial meningitis markedly decreased compared with the previously reported rate. Conclusion : In neonates, GBS meningitis was most common. The frequency of H. influenzae meningitis decreased after the introduction of H. influenzae type b vaccination. A strategy for the prevention of GBS meningitis in neonates should be established. The influence of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on S. pneumoniae meningitis should be studied.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.11
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• pp.1437-1444
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• 2000

Objectives : Traditionally intracranial meningiomas are regarded as benign and curable tumors. About half of all intracranial meningiomas locate in the skull base region. However, surgical removal of these tumors may be challenging and require special considerations. Here general aspects of skull base meningiomas including clinical presentation, surgical approaches, complications and their recurrence rate are discussed based on our experiences. Methods : A retrospective analysis of 61 consecutive patients with skull base meningioma among 210 patients of meningioma between 1989 and 1998 were done. Results : There were 41 women and 20 men ranging from 13 to 74 years(mean 52 years). These tumors were divided into seven categories according to location : olfactory groove(n＝9), sphenoid ridge(n＝16), cavernous sinus(n ＝2), tuberculum sellae(n＝8), tentorium(n＝13), cerebellopontine angle(n＝12), and foramen magnum meningiomas (n＝1). Surgical approaches were selected on the basis of the tumor attachment, size and extension on preoperative radiologic findings. Total removal(Simpson grade I and II) was achieved in 50 cases(82%), and subtotal removal (Simpson grade III) in 11 patients(18%). According to WHO classification, there were 52 of cases of benign meningioma( 86%), 6 atypical cases(10%), and 3 malignant cases(5%). The most common postoperative complications were CSF leakage(23.0%) and cranial nerve injury(8.2%). Three patient died related with tumor(one was due to surgical complication and the other two due to recurrence) but three patients died from other systemic causes. Mean follow-up period was 51.7 months after surgery. Recurrence occurred in six patients(10.9%) ; three with tentorial meningioma, two with sphenoid ridge, and one in cerebellopontine angle. Conclusion : With advances in neuroradiology and microsurgical techniques, the surgical outcome of miningiomas has been markedly improved with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates. Overall, our surgical results of skull base meningiomas is comparable to other reports. Therefore, with the appropriate operative strategy and techniques, these tumors can be completely removed and good surgical results can be expected.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.9
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• pp.882-890
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• 2007

Purpose : Preterm very low birth weight infant have high rate of adverse neurodevelopmental sequale. Recently, there have been lots of reports that human umbilical cord blood transplantation ameliorates functional deficits in animal models as hypoxic ischemic injury. This pilot study was undertaken to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of autologous umbilical cord blood cell transplantation for preventing neurodevelopmental sequale in perterm VLBW. Methods : Subjects were 26 preterm infants whose birth weight are less than 1,500 g and delivered under the intrauterine period 34 weeks. Autologous umbilical mononuclear cells (about $5.87{\times}10^7/kg$) were injected to neonate via the umbilical vein on the postnatal 24-48 hour. The therapeutic efficacy was assessed by numbers of nucleated RBC, urinary uric acid/creatinine ratio, concentration of neuron specific enolase (NSE), interleukin 6 (IL6), interleukin-$1{\beta}$ ($IL-1{\beta}$), and glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in serum and cerebrospinal fluid on day 1 and 7. Results : There were no significant differences in the numbers of the nucleated RBC, urinary uric acid/creatinine ratio, concentration of creatine kinase between the transplanted infants and controls. But the nucleated RBC is more likely to be rapidly discharged in the transplanted group. In the transplanted group, the concentrations of IL6, $IL-1{\beta}$, and GDNF were no significant difference between day 1 and 7, although GDNF seemed to be elevated. Serum NSE concentration was significantly elevated after transplantation, but not in CSF. Conclusion : It is suggested that autologous umbilical cord blood transplantation in preterm very low birth weight infant is safe to apply clinical practice. Long term follow up study should be needed to evaluate the potential therapeutic effect of umbilical cord blood transplantation for neuroprotection.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.34-42
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• 2003

In medical imaging, three-dimensional (3D) display using Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) as a portable file format can give intuitive information more efficiently on the World Wide Web (WWW). The web-based 3D visualization of functional images combined with anatomical images has not studied much in systematic ways. The goal of this study was to achieve a simultaneous observation of 3D anatomic and functional models with planar images on the WWW, providing their locational information in 3D space with a measuring implement using VRML. MRI and ictal-interictal SPECT images were obtained from one epileptic patient. Subtraction ictal SPECT co-registered to MRI (SISCOM) was performed to improve identification of a seizure focus. SISCOM image volumes were held by thresholds above one standard deviation (1-SD) and two standard deviations (2-SD). SISCOM foci and boundaries of gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the MRI volume were segmented and rendered to VRML polygonal surfaces by marching cube algorithm. Line profiles of x and y-axis that represent real lengths on an image were acquired and their maximum lengths were the same as 211.67 mm. The real size vs. the rendered VRML surface size was approximately the ratio of 1 to 605.9. A VRML measuring tool was made and merged with previous VRML surfaces. User interface tools were embedded with Java Script routines to display MRI planar images as cross sections of 3D surface models and to set transparencies of 3D surface models. When transparencies of 3D surface models were properly controlled, a fused display of the brain geometry with 3D distributions of focal activated regions provided intuitively spatial correlations among three 3D surface models. The epileptic seizure focus was in the right temporal lobe of the brain. The real position of the seizure focus could be verified by the VRML measuring tool and the anatomy corresponding to the seizure focus could be confirmed by MRI planar images crossing 3D surface models. The VRML application developed in this study may have several advantages. Firstly, 3D fused display and control of anatomic and functional image were achieved on the m. Secondly, the vector analysis of a 3D surface model was defined by the VRML measuring tool based on the real size. Finally, the anatomy corresponding to the seizure focus was intuitively detected by correlations with MRI images. Our web based visualization of 3-D fusion image and its localization will be a help to online research and education in diagnostic radiology, therapeutic radiology, and surgery applications.