• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.11
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• pp.1081-1092
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• 2023

Objective: To investigate the incidence of microvascular myocardial ischemia in diabetic patients without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and its relationship with angina. Materials and Methods: Diabetic patients and an intermediate-to-high pretest probability of CAD were prospectively enrolled. Non-diabetic patients but with an intermediate-to-high pretest probability of CAD were retrospectively included as controls. The patients underwent dynamic computed tomography-myocardial perfusion imaging (CT-MPI) and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) to quantify coronary stenosis, myocardial blood flow (MBF), and extracellular volume (ECV). The proportion of patients with microvascular myocardial ischemia, defined as any myocardial segment with a mean MBF ≤ of 100 mL/min/100 mL, in patients without obstructive CAD (Coronary Artery Disease-Reporting and Data System [CAD-RADS] grade 0-2 on CCTA) was determined. Various quantitative parameters of the patients with and without diabetes without obstructive CAD were compared. Multivariable analysis was used to determine the association between microvascular myocardial ischemia and angina symptoms in diabetic patients without obstructive CAD. Results: One hundred and fifty-two diabetic patients (mean age: 59.7 ± 10.7; 77 males) and 266 non-diabetic patients (62.0 ± 12.3; 167 males) were enrolled; CCTA revealed 113 and 155 patients without obstructive CAD, respectively. For patients without obstructive CAD, the mean global MBF was significantly lower for those with diabetes than for those without (152.8 mL/min/100 mL vs. 170.4 mL/min/100 mL, P < 0.001). The mean ECV was significantly higher for diabetic patients (27.2% vs. 25.8%, P = 0.009). Among the patients without obstructive CAD, the incidence of microvascular myocardial ischemia (36.3% [41/113] vs. 10.3% [16/155], P < 0.001) and interstitial fibrosis (69.9% [79/113] vs. 33.3% [8/24], P = 0.001) were significantly higher in diabetic patients than in the controls. The presence of microvascular myocardial ischemia was independently associated with angina symptoms (adjusted odds ratio = 3.439, P = 0.037) in diabetic patients but without obstructive CAD. Conclusion: Dynamic CT-MPI + CCTA revealed a high incidence of microvascular myocardial ischemia in diabetic patients without obstructive CAD. Microvascular myocardial ischemia is strongly associated with angina.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.52-65
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the origins of myofibroblasts in renal interstitial fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) alleviating EMT has been proved, but the concrete mechanism is unclear. To explore the mechanism, serum-free MSCs conditioned medium (SF-MSCs-CM) was used to treat rat renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) fibrosis induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) which ameliorated EMT. Methods and Results: Galectin-3 knockdown (Gal-3 KD) and overexpression (Gal-3 OE) lentiviral vectors were established and transfected into NRK-52E. NRK-52E fibrosis model was induced by TGF-β1 and treated with the SF-MSCs-CM for 24 h after modelling. Fibrosis and autophagy related indexes were detected by western blot and immunocytochemistry. In model group, the expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin (FN), Galectin-3, Snail, Kim-1, and the ratios of P-Akt/Akt, P-GSK3β/GSK3β, P-PI3K/PI3K, P-mTOR/mTOR, TIMP1/MMP9, and LC3B-II/I were obviously increased, and E-Cadherin (E-cad) and P62 decreased significantly compared with control group. SF-MSCs-CM showed an opposite trend after treatment compared with model group. Whether in Gal-3 KD or Gal-3 OE NRK-52E cells, SF-MSCs-CM also showed similar trends. However, the effects of anti-fibrosis and enhanced autophagy in Gal-3 KD cells were more obvious than those in Gal-3 OE cells. Conclusions: SF-MSCs-CM probably alleviated the EMT via inhibiting Galectin-3/Akt/GSK3β/Snail pathway. Meanwhile, Gal-3 KD possibly enhanced autophagy via inhibiting Galectin-3/Akt/mTOR pathway, which synergistically ameliorated renal fibrosis. Targeting galectin-3 may be a potential target for the treatment of renal fibrosis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.85 no.2
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• pp.394-408
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• 2024

Purpose To develop models to predict programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) using CT. Materials and Methods A total of 97 patients diagnosed with SCC who underwent PD-L1 expression assay were included in this study. We performed a CT analysis of the tumors using pretreatment CT images. Multiple logistic regression models were constructed to predict PD-L1 positivity in the total patient group and in the 40 advanced-stage (≥ stage IIIB) patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated for each model. Results For the total patient group, the AUC of the 'total significant features model' (tumor stage, tumor size, pleural nodularity, and lung metastasis) was 0.652, and that of the 'selected feature model' (pleural nodularity) was 0.556. For advanced-stage patients, the AUC of the 'selected feature model' (tumor size, pleural nodularity, pulmonary oligometastases, and absence of interstitial lung disease) was 0.897. Among these factors, pleural nodularity and pulmonary oligometastases had the highest odds ratios (8.78 and 16.35, respectively). Conclusion Our model could predict PD-L1 expression in patients with lung SCC, and pleural nodularity and pulmonary oligometastases were notable predictive CT features of PD-L1.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.12 s.269
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• pp.879-890
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• 2006

Background: The dysfunction of multiple organs is found to be caused by reactive oxygen species as a major modulator of microvascular injury after hemorrhagic shock. Hemorrhagic shock, one of many causes inducing acute lung injury, is associated with increase in alveolocapillary permeability and characterized by edema, neutrophil infiltration, and hemorrhage in the interstitial and alveolar space. Aggressive and rapid fluid resuscitation potentially might increased the risk of pulmonary dysfunction by the interstitial edema. Therefore, in order to improve the pulmonary dysfunction induced by hemorrhagic shock, the present study was attempted to investigate how to reduce the inflammatory responses and edema in lung. Material and Method: Male Sprague-Dawley rats, weight 300 to 350 gm were anesthetized with ketamine(7 mg/kg) intramuscular Hemorrhagic Shock(HS) was induced by withdrawal of 3 mL/100 g over 10 min. through right jugular vein. Mean arterial pressure was then maintained at $35{\sim}40$ mmHg by further blood withdrawal. At 60 min. after HS, the shed blood and Ringer's solution or 5% albumin was infused to restore mean carotid arterial pressure over 80 mmHg. Rats were divided into three groups according to rectal temperature level($37^{\circ}C$[normothermia] vs $33^{\circ}C$[mild hypothermia]) and resuscitation fluid(lactate Ringer's solution vs 5% albumin solution). Group I consisted of rats with the normothermia and lactate Ringer's solution infusion. Group II consisted of rats with the systemic hypothermia and lactate Ringer's solution infusion. Group III consisted of rats with the systemic hypothermia and 5% albumin solution infusion. Hemodynamic parameters(heart rate, mean carotid arterial pressure), metabolism, and pulmonary tissue damage were observed for 4 hours. Result: In all experimental groups including 6 rats in group I, totally 26 rats were alive in 3rd stage. However, bleeding volume of group I in first stage was $3.2{\pm}0.5$ mL/100 g less than those of group II($3.9{\pm}0.8$ mL/100 g) and group III($4.1{\pm}0.7$ mL/100 g). Fluid volume infused in 2nd stage was $28.6{\pm}6.0$ mL(group I), $20.6{\pm}4.0$ mL(group II) and $14.7{\pm}2.7$ mL(group III), retrospectively in which there was statistically a significance between all groups(p<0.05). Plasma potassium level was markedly elevated in comparison with other groups(II and III), whereas glucose level was obviously reduced in 2nd stage of group I. Level of interleukine-8 in group I was obviously higher than that of group II or III(p<0.05). They were $1.834{\pm}437$ pg/mL(group I), $1,006{\pm}532$ pg/mL(group II), and $764{\pm}302$ pg/mL(group III), retrospectively. In histologic score, the score of group III($1.6{\pm}0.6$) was significantly lower than that of group I($2.8{\pm}1.2$)(p<0.05). Conclusion: In pressure-controlled hemorrhagic shock model, it is suggested that hypothermia might inhibit the direct damage of ischemic tissue through reduction of basic metabolic rate in shock state compared to normothermia. It seems that hypothermia should be benefit to recovery pulmonary function by reducing replaced fluid volume, inhibiting anti-inflammatory agent(IL-8) and leukocyte infiltration in state of ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, if is considered that other changes in pulmonary damage and inflammatory responses might induce by not only kinds of fluid solutions but also hypothermia, and that the detailed evaluation should be study.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.204-208
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• 2012

Water repellency which affects infiltration, evaporation, erosion and other water transfer mechanisms through soil has been observed under several natural conditions. Water repellency is thought to be caused by hydrophobic organic compounds, which are present as coatings on soil particles or as an interstitial matter between soil particles. This study was conducted to evaluate the characteristics of the water repellent soil and transport characteristics of trace elements within this soil. Capillary height of the water repellent soil was measured. Batch and column studies were accompanied to identify sorption and transport mechanism of trace elements such as $Cu^{2+}$, $Mn^{2+}$, $Fe^{2+}$, $Zn^{2+}$ and $Mo^{5+}$. Difference of sorption capacity between common and repellent soils was observed depended on the degree of repellency. In the column study, the desorption of trace elements and the spatial concentration distribution as a function of time were evaluated. The capillary height was in the repellency order of 0% > 15% > 40% > 70% > 100%. No water was absorbed in soil indicating >70% repellency. Using trace elements, $Fe^{2+}$ and $Mo^{5+}$ showed higher sorption capacity in the repellent soil than in non-repellent soil. The sorption performance of $Fe^{2+}$ was found to be in the repellency order of 40% > 15% > 0%. Our results found that transfer of $Mo^{5+}$ had similar sorption tendency in soils having 0%, 15% and 40% repellency at the beginning, however, the higher desorption capacity was observed as time passes in the repellent soil compared to in non-repellent soils.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.611-618
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• 2004

Background : Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF), a subtype of IIP(idiopathic interstitial pneumonia), is a fatal disease with a 3-5 year median survival. Many attempts at treating this condition have failed to demonstrate a survival benefit in IPF. Recently Ziesche et $al^{12}$ reported the efficacy of IFN-${\gamma}$ for treating IPF but there is still some controversy. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of IFN-${\gamma}$ in patients with advanced IPF who had not been responsive to steroid and cytotoxic agents. Method : Nine patients with advanced IPF(age: $55.4{\pm}15.3$ years, Male: Female=8:1) were enrolled. One year treatment regime with 2 million IU of IFN-${\gamma}$ administered subcutaneously three times a week, and low dose prednisolone(10-30 mg/d) was also used. In the case of a definite aggravation and serious side effects, the IFN-${\gamma}$ was discontinued. During the IFN-${\gamma}$ trial, a pulmonary function test and chest radiography were checked every three month throughout the study. Result : 1) Among 9 patients, only 4 patients were able to complete the 12 month treatment with IFN-${\gamma}$, and 5 patients died during the treatment period. 2) No improvement either in the respiratory symptoms or pulmonary functions were observed any of the patients, even in those who completed the 12 months trial of IFN-${\gamma}$, 3) At the time of IFN-${\gamma}$ trial, the survivors who finished the IFN-${\gamma}$ treatment for 12 months had a higher oxygen level($81.3{\pm}2.8$ vs. $67.4{\pm}8.4$, P=0.024) and a better pulmonary function(FVC: $61.3{\pm}5.1$ % predicted vs. $45.7{\pm}12.3%$, P=0.048, and $D_Lco$: $45.0{\pm}5.0%$ predicted vs. $30.8{\pm}11.2%$, P=0.048) than the non-survivors. Conclusion : Our data suggested that IFN-${\gamma}$ therapy was not effective in the patients with advanced IPF refractory compared with other therapeutic agents. Furthermore, these results suggest that severe impairment of the pulmonary function and hypoxemia during the IFN-${\gamma}$ therapy requires special attention.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.619-627
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• 2004

Background : Corticosteroids in combination with cytotoxic drugs are the mainstays of therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, there has been no regimen showing any survival benefit. The aim of this study was to describe a short-term clinical experience on interferon gamma-1b (IFN-${\gamma}1b$) therapy for IPF, as an antifibrotic agent. Methods : Medical records of 27 patients who were treated with IFN-${\gamma}1b$ (2 million IU, 3 times a week, subcutaneous injection) were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment response was assessed using ATS/ERS criteria in 17 patients who received IFN-${\gamma}1b$ for more than 6 months. In addition, we compared the efficacy of IFN-${\gamma}1b$ therapy with that of cyclophosphamide${\pm}$prednisolone therapy (n=26). Results : The median age of IFN-${\gamma}$ treated group (M:F=19:8) was 59 years (44-74 years). Compared to the patients who showed a stable response at 6 months (n=12), the deteriorated group (n=5) had worse baseline lung function (FVC, $55.4{\pm}11.3%$ vs. $70.7{\pm}10.9%$, p=0.019; DLco, $50.3{\pm}7.3%$ vs. $76.9{\pm}19.6%$, p=0.014). Lower baseline $PaO_2$ on room air breathing was observed in the deteriorated group ($68.6{\pm}7.8mmHg$ vs. $91.4{\pm}6.6mmHg$ p=0.001). Subcutaneous IFN-${\gamma}1b$ did not show better efficacy than prednisolone. Five patients discontinued IFN-${\gamma}$ because of severe side effects. ARDS developed in one patient, who eventually died. Conclusion : The administration of IFN-${\gamma}1b$ is not desirable for patients diagnosed with IPF with poor lung function. Long-term and large-scaled clinical studies are needed for its efficacy in IPF.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.277-290
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• 1987

This paper dealt with etiological studies on the acute fatal disease of Angora rabbits occurring as a group in Korea. The disease was confirmed as an acute infectious disease caused by virus. The results obtained were summarized as follows: The disease produced a high morbidity in the rearing Angora rabbits and a high mortality in the infected rabbits, and was acute. The infected rabbits died soon without premonitory signs after inappetence. The body temperature of the affected rabbits rose to $40^{\circ}C$ and nearly all deaths occurred within 48 hours after inoculation. In many cases a bloody foam was visible from the nostrils after death. According to the progress of the disease the nervous signs, such as ataxia, paralysis of the legs, and torticollis could be recognized in the some cases. Rabbits that had recovered from the disease were severe emaciation, and bristly and sparse hairs. In macroscopical findings, there were hemorrhage and edema of the lung, hemorrhage or hyperemia of the tracheal and broncheal mucosae, appearance of blood-tinged effusion in the respiratory tract. The principal lesions were found in the liver. Usually the lobular necrosis of the liver cells was progressed, and focal necrosis and hemorrhagic spots of various sizes were often observed in the liver. Liver was as a whole pale. In chronic cases, however, there was a slight liver cirrhosis with the atrophy of the parenchymal cells. The other lesions encountered grossly consisted of swelling and petechiae of the kidney, hyperemia and hemorrhage of the spleen, catarrh of the small intestine, and hyperemia of the brain. The urinary bladder contained a lot of turbid urine or bloody urine and urinary cast, and was distended with the urine. In microscopical findings, the most striking lesions occurred in the liver and may be classified as viral hepatitis. The hepatic lesions were initially characterized by progression from periportal to peripheral necrosis of the lobules with the infiltration of mononuclear cells. Focal necrosis of various sizes, hemorrhage and hyperemia were often observed in the hepatic lobules. In chronic cases, there were intensive infiltration of lymphocytes, proliferation of fibroblasts, appearance of plasmal cells, and atrophy of parenchymal cells in the hepatic tissue. Perivascular lymphocytic infiltration and meningitis were seen in the brain and spinal cord. In the kidney, there were acute glomerulonephritis, hemorrhage, necrosis of the uriniferous tubules, and retention of eosinophilic substance within the renal tubules. Proliferation of fibroblasts and infiltration of mono-nuclear cells were found in the interstitial stroma of the kidney in chronic case. There were also hemorrhage and edema in the lung, hyperemia and hemorrhage in the trachea and bronchus, perivascular lymphocytic infiltration and focal myocardial necrosis in the heart, hyperemia and hemorrhage in the spleen, vacuolization and desquamation of mucous epithelia in the urinary bladder, catarrhal inflammation of the small intestine, hemorrhage in the adrenal cortex and hyperemia in the other organs. In the electron microscopical findings of the hepatic tissue, crystals of viral particles appeared in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes and the sinusoidal endothelial cells, and the viral particles, were small in size and polygonal. The authors suppose the virus may belong to picornaviridae family of RNA viruses. Also immature virus-like particles, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum and destruction of nuclear membrane were seen in the hepatocytes. From these results, it is concluded that the sudden death is an acute viral disease characterized by hepatitis and the affected rabbits may be died of viremia.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.211-223
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• 2001

Background : Rhinovirus infection of the airways results in increased permeability of the airway vascular endothelium with the influx of plasma proteins, including lipids such as LDL. In vitro studies on the effect of oxLDL on leukocytes has shown many pro inflammatory effects on multiple leukocytes. We hypothesized that oxLDL is one mechanism for recruiting granulocytes to the airways during a RV infection. Therefore, chemotaxis and transendothelial migration, in response to nLDL, was determined for these granulocytes. Methods : nLDL was oxidized with 5mM Cu2S04 for 20-24 hours. 3-5 105 cells were loaded into the Transwell filter while the chemotatic agonists were placed in the lower well for chemotaxis. Confluent monolayers on HPMEC were grown on Transwell filters for transendothelial migration. The filters were washed and eosinophils and neutrophils loaded on to the filter with the chemotatic agonist was were placed in the lower well. The wells were incubated for 3 hours. The number of migrating cells was counted on a hemocytometer. Results : OxLDL, but not nLDL, is chemotatic for eosinophils and neutrophils. The level of granulocytes chemotaxis was dependent on both the concentration of LDL and its degree of oxidation. OxLDL stimulates eosinophil and neutrophils migration across HPMEC monolayers (+/-IL-$1{\beta}$ preactivation) in a dose dependent manner. Conclusion : Increased vascular permeability during a RV infection may lead to the influx and oxidation of LDL. The resulting oxLDL. is one possible mechanism for the recruitment of neutrophils and eosinophils to the airway interstitial matrix. Once in the airways, granulocytes can further interact with oxLDL to promote airway inflammation.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.381-389
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• 2015

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a high fructose and fat diet on bone growth and maturation in growing female rats. Methods: Three-week-old female SD rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups; the control group (CON: fed control diet based on AIN-93G, n = 8); the high-fructose diet group (HFrc: fed control diet with 30% fructose, n = 8); the high-fat diet group (Hfat: fed control diet with 45 kcal% fat, n = 8); and the high-fat diet plus high fructose group (HFrc + HFat: fed diets 45 kcal% fat with 30% fructose, n = 8). Each group was assigned their respective diets for the remaining eight weeks. Bone-related parameters (bone mineral density (BMD) and structural parameters, osteocalcin (OC), deoxypyridinoline (DPD)) and morphologic changes of kidney were analyzed at the end of the experiment. Results: Final body weights and weight gain were higher in the HFat and HFrc + HFat groups and showed higher tendency in the HFrc group compared with those of the CON group (p < 0.05); however, no significant difference in caloric intake was observed among the four experimental groups. The serum OC levels of the HFrc and HFrc + HFat groups were lower than those of the CON and HFat groups (p < 0.05). Urinary levels of DPD did not differ among the experimental groups. BV/TV and Tb.N of trabecular bone were higher in the HFrc + HFat group and showed a higher tendency in the HFrc group than those of the CON and HFat groups (p < 0.05). Tb.Pf of trabecular bone were lower in the HFrc + HFat group than those in the CON and HFat groups (p < 0.05). However, no difference in trabecular BMD was observed among the experimental groups. Cortical bone volume was higher in the HFat and HFrc + HFat groups than in the CON and HFrc groups (p < 0.05). No morphology change in kidney was observed among the experimental groups. Conclusion: Our study suggests that 8 weeks of high-fructose and high fat intake could improve the bone quality (Structural parameters) of trabecular and cortical bone of tibia in growing female rats.