• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.17 no.4
• /
• pp.253-257
• /
• 2013

This study examined the mechanism of action of a local anesthetic, lidocaine HCl. Energy transfer between the surface fluorescent probe, 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid, and the hydrophobic fluorescent probe, 1,3-di(1-pyrenyl) propane, was used to determine the effect of lidocaine HCl on the thickness (D) of the synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (SPMV) isolated from the bovine cerebral cortex, and liposomes of the total lipids (SPMVTL) and phospholipids (SPMVPL) extracted from the SPMV. The thickness (D) of the intact SPMV, SPMVTL and SPMVPL were $1.044{\pm}0.008$, $0.914{\pm}0.005$ and $0.890{\pm}0.003$ (arbitrary units, n=5) at $37^{\circ}C$ (pH 7.4), respectively. Lidocaine HCl decreased the thickness of the neuronal and model membrane lipid bilayers in a dose-dependent manner with a significant decrease in the thickness, even at 0.1 mM. The decreasing effect of lidocaine HCl on the membrane thickness might be responsible for some, but not all of its anesthetic action.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.9
• /
• pp.3645-3651
• /
• 2015

Background: Previous studies evaluating the association between the xeroderma pigmentosum group G (XPG) Asp1104His polymorphism and head and neck cancer susceptibility have proven controversial. This meta-analysis of the literature was performed to obtain a more precise estimation of the relationship. Materials and Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science with a time limit of Dec 18, 2014. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of any association. Results: We performed a meta-analysis of eight published case-control studies, including 3,621 cases and 5,475 controls. Overall, no significant association was found between the XPG Asp1104His polymorphism and head and neck cancer susceptibility under all genetic models. In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, the XPG Asp1104His polymorphism had statistically significant association with elevated head and neck cancer risk under CC vs GG (OR=1.24, 95% CI=1.00~1.54) and the recessive model (OR=1.22, 95%CI=1.01~1.46) in Asian populations. A similar result was found under CC vs GG (OR =1.22, 95%CI=1.01~1.47) in the population based subgroup by source of control. When performed by tumor site, the XPG Asp1104His polymorphism had statistically significant association with elevated laryngeal cancer under all genetic models (CC vs GG: OR=1.59, 95% CI=1.16~2.19; GC vs GG: OR=1.38, 95%CI=1.10~1.72; dominant model: OR=1.42, 95% CI=1.15~1.74; recessive model: OR=1.36, 95% CI=1.02~1.81). Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggested that the XPG Asp1104His polymorphism is a risk factor for head and neck cancer susceptibility, especially for laryngeal cancer and in Asian populations.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.132-144
• /
• 2017

Purpose: To identify baseline prognostic factors for survival in patients with disease progression, during or after chemotherapy for the treatment of advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. Materials and Methods: We pooled data from patients randomized between 2009 and 2012 in 2 phase III, global double-blind studies of ramucirumab for the treatment of advanced gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma following disease progression on first-line platinum- and/or fluoropyrimidine-containing therapy (REGARD and RAINBOW). Forty-one key baseline clinical and laboratory factors common in both studies were examined. Model building started with covariate screening using univariate Cox models (significance level=0.05). A stepwise multivariable Cox model identified the final prognostic factors (entry+exit significance level=0.01). Cox models were stratified by treatment and geographic region. The process was repeated to identify baseline prognostic quality of life (QoL) parameters. Results: Of 1,020 randomized patients, 953 (93%) patients without any missing covariates were included in the analysis. We identified 12 independent prognostic factors of poor survival: 1) peritoneal metastases; 2) Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score 1; 3) the presence of a primary tumor; 4) time to progression since prior therapy <6 months; 5) poor/unknown tumor differentiation; abnormally low blood levels of 6) albumin, 7) sodium, and/or 8) lymphocytes; and abnormally high blood levels of 9) neutrophils, 10) aspartate aminotransferase (AST), 11) alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and/or 12) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Factors were used to devise a 4-tier prognostic index (median overall survival [OS] by risk [months]: high=3.4, moderate=6.4, medium=9.9, and low=14.5; Harrell's C-index=0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64-0.68). Addition of QoL to the model identified patient-reported appetite loss as an independent prognostic factor. Conclusions: The identified prognostic factors and the reported prognostic index may help clinical decision-making, patient stratification, and planning of future clinical studies.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.16 no.6
• /
• pp.413-422
• /
• 2012

The purpose of this study is to investigated the mechanism of pharmacological action of local anesthetic and provide the basic information about the development of new effective local anesthetics. Fluorescent probe techniques were used to evaluate the effect of lidocaine HCl on the physical properties (transbilayer asymmetric lateral and rotational mobility, annular lipid fluidity and protein distribution) of synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (SPMV) isolated from bovine cerebral cortex, and liposomes of total lipids (SPMVTL) and phospholipids (SPMVPL) extracted from the SPMV. An experimental procedure was used based on selective quenching of 1,3-di(1-pyrenyl)propane (Py-3-Py) and 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) by trinitrophenyl groups, and radiationless energy transfer from the tryptophans of membrane proteins to Py-3-Py. Lidocaine HCl increased the bulk lateral and rotational mobility of neuronal and model membrane lipid bilayes, and had a greater fluidizing effect on the inner monolayer than the outer monolayer. Lidocaine HCl increased annular lipid fluidity in SPMV lipid bilayers. It also caused membrane proteins to cluster. The most important finding of this study is that there is far greater increase in annular lipid fluidity than that in lateral and rotational mobilities by lidocaine HCl. Lidocaine HCl alters the stereo or dynamics of the proteins in the lipid bilayers by combining with lipids, especially with the annular lipids. In conclusion, the present data suggest that lidocaine, in addition to its direct interaction with proteins, concurrently interacts with membrane lipids, fluidizing the membrane, and thus inducing conformational changes of proteins known to be intimately associated with membrane lipid.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.14 no.7
• /
• pp.3127-3134
• /
• 2013

This paper presents the verified results from the examination of the control algorithm, logic composition, and vehicle condition of the engine that has been adapted for DME fuel. It introduces the development process of the control structure and the logic control based on control map and auto-code generation, and finally verifies the reliability and performance of the overall control. The control structure largely consists of the injection control part that implements driver demand into an engine net torque and the air control system part that satisfies characteristics of exhaust gas and power performance. The control logic is designed with feedforward and feedback control for each of its control functions for an enhanced response. Moreover, the control map of the feedforward controller is created by the use of an engine model created by test data of mass product diesel engine, and it was subsequently calibrated in the test process of the engine and vehicle state. A test mode was completed by attaching the developed controller to the vehicle, and a reduction in gas emission is confirmed by the calibration of EGR, VGT, and injection times.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.146-156
• /
• 2006

Purpose: 1) to construct cohorts according to risk scores calculated with the Gail Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (Gail et al., 1989) (Gail) and the Breast Cancer Risk Appraisal (Lee et al,. 2003) (Lee) 2) to identify the distribution of risk factors and preventive behavior stages between the cohorts 3) to identify abnormal breast conditions in risk cohort. Method: Using convenience sampling, 775 rural women were selected. Risk appraisal was scored using Gail and Lee. Preventive behavior stages for BSE (Breast self examination) and mammography were measured using 4 stages of the Transtheoretical Model (Prochaska & DiClemente, 1983). Results: 1) The risk cohort according to Gail was 12.3% (n=95), and Lee, 3.1% (n=24). 2) There were significant differences in the distribution of risk factors (age, family history, age at 1st live birth, age at menarche, number of breast biopsy, history of breast disease, and breast-feeding) between cohorts. 3) There was a significant difference in the distribution of the stage of BSE according to Lee. 4) Six women in the risk group detected masses or nodules and physician consultation and ultrasonography were recommended. Conclusion: On the basis of the constructed cohorts, further longitudinal studies of cohorts are recommended with interventions according to characteristics of cohorts.

• Journal of Conservation Science
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.273-281
• /
• 2018

$Ji{\check{u}}di{\grave{a}}n$ iron production site in China is a relic smelting site, which in the past produced pig iron. In this study, scientific analysis of the smelting furnace and collected slag was conducted to reveal some aspects of the ancient Chinese smelting technique. A 3D model of the smelting furnace showed a narrow lower part and an upper section which increased in diameter upwards. Although the smelting furnace relic does not include the upper part and its complete shape cannot be predicted, the remaining part suggests that the furnace had a larger diameter in the central part compared to the upper and lower parts. Most of the collected slag was completely vitrified. Long prismatic fayalite was observed in the matrix of some samples. The iron particles contained phosphorus, which could not be discharged during smelting work. In addition, as the $CaO/SiO_2$ ratio was 0.42 or lower in the results of the content analysis, no CaO slag former had been added. However, the ratio of $CaO/SiO_2$ to $Al_2O_3/SiO_2$ did not have a constant trend. This needs to be investigated in a further study.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.739-747
• /
• 2016

The rational utilization of crop straw as a raw material for natural gas production is of economic significance. In order to increase the efficiency of biogas production from agricultural straw, seasonal restrictions must be overcome. Therefore, the potential for biogas production via anaerobic straw digestion was assessed by exposing fresh, silage, and dry yellow corn straw to cow dung liquid extract as a nitrogen source. The characteristics of anaerobic corn straw digestion were comprehensively evaluated by measuring the pH, gas production, chemical oxygen demand, methane production, and volatile fatty acid content, as well as applying a modified Gompertz model and high-throughput sequencing technology to the resident microbial community. The efficiency of biogas production from fresh straw (433.8 ml/g) was higher than that of production from straw silage and dry yellow straw (46.55 ml/g and 68.75 ml/g, respectively). The cumulative biogas production from fresh straw, silage straw, and dry yellow straw was 365 l^-1 g^-1 VS, 322 l^-1 g^-1 VS, and 304 l^-1 g^-1 VS, respectively, whereas cumulative methane production was 1,426.33%, 1,351.35%, and 1,286.14%, respectively, and potential biogas production was 470.06 ml^-1 g^-1 VS, 461.73 ml^-1 g^-1 VS, and 451.76 ml^-1 g^-1 VS, respectively. Microbial community analysis showed that the corn straw was mainly metabolized by acetate-utilizing methanogens, with Methanosaeta as the dominant archaeal community. These findings provide important guidance to the biogas industry and farmers with respect to rational and efficient utilization of crop straw resources as material for biogas production.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.57 no.6
• /
• pp.445-454
• /
• 2015

Objective : In the present study we analyzed neuroprotective and antiapoptotic effect of the difumarate salt S-15176, as an anti-ischemic, an antioxidant and a stabilizer of mitochondrial membrane in secondary damage following spinal cord injury (SCI) in a rat model. Methods : Three groups were performed with 30 Wistar rats; control (1), trauma (2), and a trauma+S-15176 (10 mg/kg i.p., dimethyl sulfoxide) treatment (3). SCI was performed at the thoracic level using the weight-drop technique. Spinal cord tissues were collected following intracardiac perfusion in 3rd and 7th days of posttrauma. Hematoxylin and eosin staining for histopatology, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay for apoptotic cells and immunohistochemistry for proapoptotic cytochrome-c, Bax and caspase 9 were performed to all groups. Functional recovery test were applied to each group in 3rd and 7th days following SCI. Results : In trauma group, edematous regions, diffuse hemorrhage, necrosis, leukocyte infiltration and severe degeneration in motor neurons were observed prominently in gray matter. The number of apoptotic cells was significantly higher (p<0.05) than control group. In the S-15176-treated groups, apoptotic cell number in 3rd and 7th days (p<0.001), also cytochrome-c (p<0.001), Bax (p<0.001) and caspase 9 immunoreactive cells (p<0.001) were significantly decreased in number compared to trauma groups. Hemorrhage and edema in the focal areas were also noticed in gray matter of treatment groups. Results of the locomotor test were significantly increased in treatment group (p<0.05) when compared to trauma groups. Conclusion : We suggest that difumarate salt S-15176 prevents mitochondrial pathways of apoptosis and protects spinal cord from secondary injury and helps to preserve motor function following SCI in rats.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.775-781
• /
• 2015

Background: RB1 (retinoblastoma 1) was reportedly one of the major determinative factors for sensitivity to taxanes in previous studies. In this study, we investigated the influence of RB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the efficacy of platinum-taxane regimens in advanced NSCLC patients. Materials and Methods: 234 cases of patients with advanced NSCLC who were treated with first-line platinum-taxane agents were enrolled in this study. Genomic DNA was extracted from patients' peripheral blood samples using a QIAamp DNA Maxi Kit, and genotyped by iSelect HD Bead-Chip. Results: Regression analyses were conducted through the univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model in the 234 patients. The results showed that of the eight RB1 tagSNPs, only rs4151510 was a positive predictive factor for the advanced NSCLC patients treated with platinum taxanes regimen. The patients with G/G genotype of RB rs4151510 had longer overall survival (OS) than the non-G/G genotype (p=0.018). The histology was also correlated with OS in the whole advanced NSCLC patients. Three tagSNPs of RB1, rs4151510, rs4151465, rs9568036 were significantly associated with OS in the advanced NSCLC patients with squamous cell histology using Kaplan-Meier overall survival analysis stratified by histology. Conclusions: RB1 genomic variants were correlated with the efficacy of platinum-taxanes regimen. RB rs4151510 is an independent factor of the prognosis of NSCLC patients receiving platinum-taxane chemotherapy.