• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제56권2호
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• pp.68-74
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• 2013

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of new management policies on the incidence of invasive Candida infections Methods: This observational study involved a retrospective analysis of the patients' medical records. In total, 99 very low birth weight infants, who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Ajou University Hospital from January 2010 to December 2011, were enrolled for the study. Period I, defined as the period before the revision of management policies, comprised 57 infants; whereas, period II, defined as the period after the implementation of new management policies, comprised 42 infants. The new management policies entailed a reduction in antibiotic and histamine type 2 receptor blocker (H2 blocker) use, duration of central venous catheterization, and duration of endotracheal intubation. Results: There was a significant overall decrease in the use of antibiotics including 3rd generation cephalosporin and H2 blockers (P<0.05), and a significantly lower incidence of invasive Candida infections in period II as compared to period I (0/42 vs. 6/57, respectively; P=0.037). Comparison between infants with invasive Candida infections (n=6) and those without (n=93) showed that gestational age (odds ratio [OR], 0.909; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.829 to 0.996; P=0.042) and the duration of 3rd generation cephalosporin use (OR, 1.093; 95% CI, 1.009 to 1.183; P=0.029) were statistically significant risk factors. Conclusion: The new management policies effectively decreased overall use of antibiotics, especially 3rd generation cephalosporin, and H2 blockers, which led to a significantly lower incidence of invasive Candida infections.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제37권1호
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• pp.25-28
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• 2005

Objective: Giant invasive pituitary adenoma looks histologically benign, but these tumors have an aggressive clinical course. The authors review 10 cases and discuss the results obtained and the strategy to use for the management of giant invasive pituitary adenoma. Methods: Out of a series of 155 pituitary adenomas treated surgically between 1994 and 2002, ten patients with giant invasive pituitary adenoma were selected and their clinical problems, radiologic findings, extent and invasiveness, hormonal and histologic findings and surgical results were analyzed retrospectively. Results: There were 4 male and 6 female patients, with an average age of 47 years and an average follow-up period of 42 months. The average size of tumor was 50.7mm. These tumors revealed severe invasions into surrounding structures. 8 patients underwent transsphenoidal approach(TSA) operations, 1 patient with transcranial operation and 1 patient with combined TSA and transcranial operation. In all cases, subtotal resection was performed. The histologic findings were 2 prolactinomas and 3 hormonal non-function adenomas. The therapies administered after surgical removal consisted of conventional fractionated radiotherapy (2 patients), treatment with dopamine agonists to control hyperprolactinemia (2 patients), and treatment with hormone replacement (2 patients). Conclusion: Giant invasive pituitary adenomas are characterized by different forms of expansion and invasiveness and variable clinical problems. Because of their aggressive expansion and invasiveness, there are many different strategies which can be considered for their management. The authors obtain good results by choosing conservative surgical removal and multidisciplinary treatments with serial radiological and hormonal follow-up.

• 환경생물
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• 제38권3호
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• pp.392-403
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• 2020

This study analyzed the distribution characteristics of invasive alien plants on the islands of the Korean Peninsula. Ten species, Rumex acetosella, Sicyos angulatus, Solanum carolinense, Ambrosia artemisiaefolia var. elatior, Ambrosia trifida, Aster pilosus, Eupatorium rugosum, Hypochaeris radicata, Lactuca scariola, and Paspalum distichum were present on 68 islands. These ecosystem-disturbing invasive alien plants appeared extensively on the islands of Gyeonggi province and Jeollanam province. The proportion of the plants on the inhabited islands (41 places, 2.15 species on average) was higher than that on the uninhabited islands (27 places, 1.07 species on average). This means that the distribution of invasive alien plants was closely related to human activity. The distribution of Ambrosia artemisiaefolia var. elatior(32 islands) and Rumex acetosella (31 islands) was the widest, and there were distinct distribution differences according to species. In the island area, the physical environment is poor compared to the mainland, and the native space is limited. Therefore, when invasive alien species enter and settle on the island, the native island plants can be damaged more than those on the mainland. In this regard, the discussion of the distribution of invasive alien plants in the island region can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in the region.

• 한국정보통신학회논문지
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• 제21권9호
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• pp.1761-1770
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• 2017

대뇌혈류증가 치료는 뇌경색에 가장 중요한 치료방법중 하나이다. 기존의 대뇌혈류증가 치료가 침습적으로 행해져옴에 따라 다수의 합병증을 유발할 수 있다는 문제점이 제기되고 있다. 따라서 이러한 문제점을 보완하기 위해 최근에는 비침습적 대뇌혈류증가 장치가 등장하였다. 하지만 현재 구현된 비침습적 대뇌혈류증가 장치는 속도와 정확성이 떨어지는 문제점이 제기되고 있다. 본 논문에서는 기존의 구현된 비침습적 대뇌혈류증가 장치의 단점을 보완하고자 다른 방식으로 시스템을 구현하여 대뇌 부위로 가는 혈류량을 우회적으로 증가시켜 최종대뇌 손상부위를 최소화 하는 것으로 목표로 한다. 본 논문에서 구현한 시스템은 사지압박을 진행함과 동시에 사지의 혈류지수를 측정하여 혈류지수가 일정 수치 이하로 떨어지는 압력을 찾아 사지압박을 통해 대뇌부위로 가는 혈류량을 우회적으로 증가시켜 혈류증강 치료를 실시한다. 이는 기존의 침습적 대뇌혈류증가 치료와 비교하여 합병증의 우려가 없고, 최종실험 결과 혈류량을 20% 이상 증가시키기에 환자에게 선택적으로 사용될 수 있다.

• 식물병연구
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.1-9
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• 2005

2001년부터 2003년까지 22종의 외래 침입 벼원체들에 의한 작물의 병 발생과 분포를 조사하였다. 조사돈 22종 중 18종은 그들의 기주식물에서 병 발생이 확인되었으나 4종은 병 발생이 확인되지 않았다. 외래 유입 병원체들이 국내로 유입될 당시 학명이 검토되었고, 탄저병균을 포함한 10종의 병원균 학명이 개정되었다. 외래유입병원체들의 기주범위를 조사한 결과, 8종은 유입당시 기술된 기주 뿐만 아니라 다른 작물에서도 병 발생이 확인되었다.

• 수면정신생리
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.53-69
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• 2021

Sleep disorders, increasingly prevalent in the general population, induce impairment in daytime functioning and other clinical problems. As changes in cortical excitability have been reported as potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying sleep disorders, multiple studies have explored clinical effects of modulating cortical excitability through non-invasive brain stimulation in treating sleep disorders. In this study, we critically reviewed clinical studies using non-invasive brain stimulation, particularly transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), for treatment of sleep disorders. Previous studies have reported inconsistent therapeutic effects of TMS and tDCS for various kinds of sleep disorders. Specifically, low-frequency repetitive TMS (rTMS) and cathodal tDCS, both of which exert an inhibitory effect on cortical excitability, have shown inconsistent therapeutic effects for insomnia. On the other hand, high-frequency rTMS and anodal tDCS, both of which facilitate cortical excitability, have improved the symptoms of hypersomnia. In studies of restless legs syndrome, high-frequency rTMS and anodal tDCS induced inconsistent therapeutic effects. Single TMS and rTMS have shown differential therapeutic effects for obstructive sleep apnea. These inconsistent findings indicate that the distinctive characteristics of each non-invasive brain stimulation method and specific pathophysiological mechanisms underlying particular sleep disorders should be considered in an integrated manner for treatment of various sleep disorders. Future studies are needed to provide optimized TMS and tDCS protocols for each sleep disorder, considering distinctive effects of non-invasive brain stimulation and pathophysiology of each sleep disorder.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제45권6호
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• pp.388-402
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• 2022

Malignant meningiomas often show invasive growth that makes complete tumor resection challenging, and they are more prone to recur after radical resection. Invasive meningioma associated transcript 1 (IMAT1) is a long noncoding RNA located on Homo sapiens chromosome 17 that was identified by our team based on absolute expression differences in invasive and non-invasive meningiomas. Our studies indicated that IMAT1 was highly expressed in invasive meningiomas compared with non-invasive meningiomas. In vitro studies showed that IMAT1 promoted meningioma cell invasion through the inactivation of the Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4)/hsa-miR22-3p/Snai1 pathway by acting as a sponge for hsa-miR22-3p, and IMAT1 knockdown effectively restored the tumor suppressive properties of KLF4 by preserving its tumor suppressor pathway. In vivo experiments confirmed that IMAT1 silencing could significantly inhibit the growth of subcutaneous tumors and prolong the survival period of tumor-bearing mice. Our findings demonstrated that the high expression of IMAT1 is the inherent reason for the loss of the tumor suppressive properties of KLF4 during meningioma progression. Therefore, we believe that IMAT1 may be a potential biological marker and treatment target for meningiomas.

• 한국자원식물학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국자원식물학회 2022년도 추계학술대회
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• pp.112-112
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• 2022

This study aims to confirm the possibility of using the invasive alien plants in Jeju as a functional biomaterial. To achieve this purpose, 70% ethanol extract and solvent fractions were prepared for five invasive alien plants (Hypochaeris radicata, Rumex acetosella, Humulus japonicus Siebold & Zucc., Solanum viarum, Lactuca scariolar) and their antioxidant, antibacterial anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity effects were investigated. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of ethanol extract from invasive alien plants was shown in the order of Rumex acetosella > Hypochaeris radicata > Humulus japonicus. Antimicrobial activity of ethanol extract against food poisoning bacteria (4 species) and oral cavity-induced microorganisms (6 species) was measured. As a result, the extract of Humulus japonicus showed high antibacterial effects against food poisoning bacteria (E. coli, V. parahaemolyticus) and oral microbes (L. casei, S. epidermidis, E. faecalis). In LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, the anti-inflammatory effect of ethanol extract from invasive alien plants was investigated. As a result, the NO production inhibition activity was highest in the Rumex acetosella and the Humulus japonicus Siebold & Zucc. ethanol extract, and the NO production inhibition activity was concentration-dependent. In addition, the Rumex acetosella and the Humulus japonicus Siebold & Zucc. ethanol extract showed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on cytokine (IL-6) production. These extracts also showed inhibitory activity of COX-2, an inflammatory protein. This suggests that NO production inhibition activity by the extract of invasive alien plants is the result of inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 expression. Currently, organic solvent fractions of crude extract are manufactured and the investigation of active ingredients is continuing along with evaluation of biological activity such as anti-inflammatory. These results are expected to be a major data for the study on the separation and utilization of active ingredients with antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects using foreign plant crude extract and solvent fractions, and are highly likely to be applied to the development of functional food and cosmetics materials.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권13호
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• pp.5155-5160
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• 2014

Aim: To investigate the efficacy and safety of lobaplatin-transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radioactive $^{125}I$ seed implantation in treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: 75 patients with primary HCC were enrolled in the study, among them 43 receiving lobaplatin-TACE (TACE group) and 32 lobaplatin-TACE combined with $^{125}I$ seed implantation (TACE+$^{125}I$ group). After treatment, the local remission rates and postoperative complications of two groups were compared using the Pearson Chi-square test. Overall survival in the two groups was calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the differences were tested using Log-rank test. Results: There were 7 cases of complete response (CR), 13 of partial response (PR), 6 of stable disease (SD) and 17 of progressive disease (PD) in the TACE group, with 13 cases of CR, 9 of PR, 5 of SD and 5 of PD in the TACE+$^{125}I$ group. The disease control rates of TACE and TACE+$^{125}I$ group were 60.5% (26/43) and 84.4% (27/32), respectively, with a significant difference between them (P < 0.05). The survival rates at 6, 12 and 18 months in the TACE group were 100.0%, 81.8% and 50.0%, respectively, and those in TACE+$^{125}I$ group were 100.0%, 93.8% and 65.6%. The mean survival times in the TACE and TACE+$^{125}I$ groups were 19.5 and 22.9 months, respectively. There was a significant difference in the overall survival rate between two groups (P < 0.05). No serious complications were encountered in either group. Conclusion: Lobaplatin-TACE combined with $^{125}I$ seed implantation is favorable and safe for treatment of primary HCC.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제33권9호
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• pp.723-728
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• 2000

Background: Minimally invasive techniques for open heart surgery are widely accepted in these days. There are minimally invasive approaches by the right or left parasternal incision and another approaches by mini-sternotomy of upper or lower half or sternum. We report the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive technique with right parasternal incision compared with the routine full sternotomy. Material and Method: From April 1997 through February 1999, 20 patients(Group A) underwent minimally invasive cardiac operations. We chose 41 patients(Group B) whose preoperative diagnosis were the same and general conditions were similar and who underwent routine full sternotomy before April 1997. We compared A group and B group in many aspects. We performed routine full median sternotomy in B group but we did a minimally invasive technique through a small right parasternal incision in A group. Result: mean age was 36.1 years in both groups. In disease entities, there were 11 cases of ASD, 9 cases of mitral valve disease in group A, and 16 cases of ASD, 25 cases of mitral valve diseases in group B. In ASD, operation time, cardiopulmonary bypass time of aortic occulusion time were 263 min, 82 min, and 41 min in group A and 180 min, 53 min, and 32 min in group B. In mitral valve disease, operation time, cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic occlusion time were 267min, 106 min, and 70min in A group and were 207 min, 82 min, and 69 min in group B. There were significant differences in operation time, CPB time, and ACC time between group A and group B. There was a significant difference in the amount of bleeding in postoperative day 1 between group A and group B of mitral diasease. However, there was no significant difference in the amount of bleeding in other comparisons. Mean length of incision was 8.7 cm in group A. There was no significant difference in postoperative complications between A group and B group. There was no mortality in either group. Conclusion: We conclude that this minimally invasive technique with right parasternal incision is cosmetically excellent but it is not effective in reducing operative time and there was no significant difference in recovery time and postoperative complications compared with routine full sternotomy.