• Progress in Medical Physics
• /
• v.13 no.4
• /
• pp.224-228
• /
• 2002

Myocardial tagging technique such as spatial modulation of magnetization (SPAMM) allows the study of myocardial motion with high accuracy. However, the accuracy of the estimation of tag intersection can be affected by tagline spacing. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between tagline spacing of SPAMM image and tagging contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in in-vivo study. Two healthy volunteers were undergone electrocardiographically triggered MR imaging with SPAMM-based tagging pulse sequence at a 1.5T MR scanner. Horizontally modulated stripe patterns were imposed with a range from 3.6 to 9.6 mm of tagline spacing. Images of the left ventricle(LV) wall were acquired at the mid-ventricle level during cardiac cycle with FE-EPI (TR/TE = 5.8/2.2 msec, FA= 10$^{\circ}$. Tagging CNR for each image was calculated with a software which developed in our group. During contraction, tagging CNR was more rapidly decreased in case of narrow tagline spacing than in case of wide tagline spacing. In the same heart phase, CNR was increased corresponding with tagline spacing. Especially, at the fully contracted heart phase, CNR was more rapidly increased than the other heart phases as a function of tagline spacing. The results indicated that the optimization of tagline spacing provides better tagging CNR in order to analyze the myocardial motion more accurately.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.19 no.11
• /
• pp.1514-1521
• /
• 2009

To evaluate the feasibility of cathepsin-B levels in preoperatively screening patients with thyroid cancer, we assigned these patients to either the thyroid cancer group (n=32) or the nodular hyperplasia group (n=7). Five healthy volunteers served as controls (n=5). We quantified cathepsin-B expressions in cancerous lesions with follicular carcinoma and hyperplastic lesions with nodular hyperplasia, and compared the degrees to those of normal thyroid tissue, which was obtained from matched contralateral lobe. The activity of serum cathepsin B was significantly higher in patients with thyroid carcinoma ($284.87{\pm}79.32$, ${\times}10^{-2}\;mU$) and those with nodular hyperplasia ($255.45{\pm}95.68$, ${\times}10^{-2}\;mU$) than compared to normal control ($168.94{\pm}15.10$, ${\times}10^{-2}\;mU$) (p<0.05). Based on the results of immunoassay, the concentrations of cathepsin B in the thyroid cancer group ($15.50{\pm}7.86\;ng/ml$) and the nodular hyperplasia group ($17.64{\pm}7.49\;ng/ml$) were higher than those of the control group ($4.85{\pm}0.61\;ng/ml$). The degree of cathepsin-B mRNA expression was significantly higher in cancerous or hyperplastic lesions than normal thyroid tissues from matched contralateral lobe with follicular carcinoma or non-neoplastic thyroid disease. Our results indicate that the activity of serum cathepsin B is a useful indicator in screening patients with nodular hyperplasia or neoplastic thyroid disease and it may be involved in the abnormal proliferation of cells.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.55 no.10
• /
• pp.388-392
• /
• 2012

Purpose: Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers within LIN28B have been reported to be related to the timing of pubertal growth. However, no study has investigated the frequency of genetic markers in girls with precocious puberty (PP) or early puberty (EP). This study aimed to determine the frequency of putative genetic markers in girls with PP or EP. Methods: Genomic DNAs were obtained from 77 and 109 girls that fulfilled the criteria for PP and EP, respectively. The controls in this study were 144 healthy volunteers between 20 and 30 years of age. The haplotypes were reconstructed using 11 SNPs of LIN28B, and haplotype association analysis was performed. The haplotype frequencies were compared. Differences in the clinical and laboratory parameters were analyzed according to the haplotype dosage. Results: Eleven SNPs in LIN28B were all located in a block that was in linkage disequilibrium. The haplotype could be reconstructed using 2 representative SNPs, rs4946651 and rs369065. The AC haplotype was less frequently observed in the PP group than in the controls (0.069 vs. 0.144, P=0.010). The trend that girls with non-AC haplotypes tended to have earlier puberty onset (P=0.037) was illustrated even in the EP+PP patient group by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that non-AC haplotypes of LIN28B had a significant association with PP in girls.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.215-222
• /
• 2004

The purpose of the present study was designed to evaluate the bioequivalence of two oxiracetam tablets, Neuromed tablet (Korea Drug Co., reference drug) and Neuracetam tablet (Sam Jin Pharmaceutical Co., test drug), according to the guidelines of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Release of oxiracetam from the tablet in vitro was tested using KP VIII Apparatus II method with various dissolution media (pH 1.2, 4.0, 6.8 buffer solution and water). Twenty-four healthy volunteers, $23.7\;{\pm}\;2.4$ year in age and $68.9\;{\pm}\;6.2$ kg in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized $2{\times}2$ cross-over study was performed. After oral administration of a tablet containing 800 mg of oxiracetam, blood samples were taken at predetermined time intervals and concentrations of oxiracetam in plasma were determined using HPLC-MS-MS. The dissolution profiles of two formulations were very similar at all dissolution media. In addition, pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$ were calculated and ANOVA test was utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t$ and $C_{max}$ untransformed $T_{max}$. The results showed that the differences between two formulations based on the reference drug were 0.42%, 0.45% and -12.58% for $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$, respectively. There were no sequence effects between two formulations in these parameters. The 90% confidence intervals for the log transformed data were within the acceptance range of log 0.8 to log 1.25 (e.g., $log0.94{\sim}log1.06$ and $log0.90{\sim}log1.07$ for $AUC_t$, and $C_{max}$, respectively), indicating that Neuracetam tablet is bioequivalent to Neuromed tablet. The major pharmacokinetic parameters, $AUC_t$, and $C_{max}$ met the criteria set by KFDA for bioequivalence indicating that Neuracetam tablet is bioequivalent to Neuromed tablet.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.221-225
• /
• 1998

Fourteen healthy volunteers ranged in ages from 20 to 30 were served to administrate two types of yoghurt (2 bottles/day) such as one added uncapsulated-Bifidobacteria (Y-UCB) and the other added capsulated-Bifdobacteria (Y-CB) for 4 weeks, and the changes of intestinal microflora and fecal properties were studied. After administration of Y-UCB, the viable cell counts of fecal Bifidobacteria (p<0.01) and Lactobacilli (p<0.05) were significantly increased, however, fecal pH, moisture content and tile viable cell counts of coliform bacteria in feces were not changed when they were compared to those before administration (control). After administration of Y-CB, the viable cell counts of Bifidobacteria were significantly increased (p<0.01) and viable cell counts of coliform bacteria were significantly decreased (p<0.05), however, fecal pH, moisture content, and viable cell counts of Lactobacilli were not changed when they were compared to those before administration. High level of fecal Bifidobacteria and low pH were maintained after 2 weeks from ceasing the administration of both types of yoghurt when they were compared to those before administration. In conclusion, there were not significant differences between two types, Y-CB and Y-UCB in the changes of fecal pH, moisture content, and the viable cell counts of Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli, coliform bacteria after the administration.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.18 no.6
• /
• pp.93-104
• /
• 2001

Objective : To localize and compare the cerebral regions- activated by the the stimulation of traditional and burning acupunctures in right Hap-Kok (LI4) acupoints. Methods : Thirty-four healthy normal volunteers (19 males, 15 females, age 31${\pm}$11 years) were studies by rest/acupuncture Tc-99m HMPAO SPECT using same-dose sequential injection method using right Hap-Kok(LI4), traditional and burning acupunctures. All images were spatially normalized and the differences between rest and acupuncture activation state were statistically analyzed using SPM 96. Results : Statistical analysis of the effect by the stimulation using traditional acupuncture in right L14 showed regional cerebral perfusion increase in right inferior frontal lobe, right straight gyrus, left anterolateral frontal lobe, left anteroinferior temporal lobe, left posterior temporal lobe, and left cerebellum. In the stimulation using burning acupuncture in right LI4, regional cerebral perfusion increased in right posterior prefrontal lobe, right precental gyrus, right postcentral gyrus, right poteroinferior temporal lobe, left precentral gyrus, left Broca's area, left anterior parietal lobe, left posterior prefrontal lobe, and left cerebellum. In right LA, diffuse perfusion increase were noted in the both inferior frontal lobe by traditional acupuncture compared to burning acupuncture. Conclusion : The results localized the cerebral areas showed the effect of the acupuncture on cerebral blood flow. The effects of traditional and burning acupunctures on cerebral blood flow were similar in right Hap-Kok (LI4) acupoints. But the effects of traditional acupunctures on cerebral blood flow are stronger than those of burning acupunctures on cerebral blood flow.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.319-328
• /
• 2007

The purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess treatment effect of physical therapy on experimentally-induced masseter muscle fatigue by two parameters of muscle stiffness and elasticity. Three physical therapeutic modalities inducing electroacupunture stimulation therapy(EAST), Microwave diathermy and low-level laser therapy(LLLT) were compared. 10 healthy volunteers with normal occlusion (mean age of $26.3{\pm}1.16$ years, M:F=1:1) were participated in this study. All subjects were asked to chew gum on the right side until they felt pain(more and VAS 5 (0 to 10)) and their masseter muscles were examined with a tactile sensor in order to evaluate changes of stiffness and elasticity according to gum chewing and three physical therapeutic modalities. Subjective discomfort or pain was self-estimated by VAS as well. Unilateral gum chewing increased stiffness and decreased elasticity only on the chewing side but VAS increased on the both sides(p<0.05). EAST or Microwave diathermy greatly decreased stiffness and VAS and increased elasticity(p<0.05) but LLLT did not exhibit significant difference. From the results of this study, it is concluded that both EAST and Microwave diathermy have favorable effect on stiffness and elasticity of muscles and pain relief while effect of LLLT is not reliable. In addition, experimental unilateral gum chewing compromises stiffness and elasticity of masseter muscles only the chewing side while subjective discomfort or pain can be felt on the both sides.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
• /
• v.17 no.3
• /
• pp.228-236
• /
• 2017

Purpose: Enolase is a cytoplasmic enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of 2-phosphoglycerate to phosphoenolpyruvate in the glycolytic pathway. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the overexpression of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) can serve as a prognostic factor in patients with gastric cancer (GC). Materials and Methods: To assess its prognostic value in GC, NSE expression was measured by immunohistochemistry in a clinically annotated tissue microarray comprising of 327 human GC specimens. Cytoplasmic NSE expression was scored from 0 to 4, reflecting the percentage of NSE-positive cells. Results: In terms of histology as per the World Health Organization criteria (P=0.34), there were no differences between the NSE overexpression (NSE-OE) and NSE underexpression (NSE-UE) groups. The NSE-OE group showed a significantly lower rate of advanced GC (P<0.01), lymph node metastasis (P=0.01), advanced stage group (P<0.01), cancer-related death (P<0.01), and cancer recurrence (P<0.01). Additionally, a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the NSE-OE group had longer cumulative survival times than the NSE-UE group (log-rank test, P<0.01). However, there were no significant differences in the serum levels of NSE expression in patients with GC and healthy volunteers (P=0.28). Conclusions: Patients with NSE overexpressing GC tissues showed better prognostic results, implying that NSE could be a candidate biomarker of GC.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
• /
• v.40 no.4
• /
• pp.277-282
• /
• 2015

This study was to investigate the effects of the hot compress pack on alleviating local muscular discomfort, stiffness in limbs as well as the chronic pains such as migraine in terms of hemodynamics. In this study, the hot compress band was put on the neck and the local physiological change on the stimulation site and the cranial blood circulation change were examined. We recruited healthy volunteers (n=8, mean age: 32.13 (4.61)), who participated in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study. Local skin color and temperature were measured for the local effect of the hot compress band and the changes of intra-cranial and extra-cranial blood vessels were examined with MR angiography (MRA) images. The skin temperature increased from $36.4^{\circ}C$ at the rest condition to $36.7^{\circ}C$ and $37.1^{\circ}C$ after 15 min and 30 min stimulation, respectively. The change of the extra-cranial blood vessels between pre-stimulation and post-stimulation of 30 min was significantly increased (+38.8%), while the change of the intra-cranial blood vessels was negligible. In this study, we demonstrated that the hot compress band on the neck yielded the increase of local skin temperature on the stimulation site and it made an effect on the extracranial circulation. In conclusion, the stimulation with a hot compress could facilitate the blood circulation, causing to relieve the muscular discomfort, stiffness in limbs as well as the chronic pains such as migraine.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.59-66
• /
• 2006

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between insomnia severity, depression, anxiety, and anxiety sensitivity and to find out the explanatory variables that account for the insomnia severity among depression, anxiety, and anxiety sensitivity in general population. 95 mentally healthy volunteers who visit health promotion center of Kangbuk Samsung hospital for their regular medical examination were requested to complete Athens Insomnia Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Anxiety Sensitivity Index. Association between total scores of Athens Insomnia Scale and other variables (total scores of Beck Depression Inventory excluded item 16, total scores of State Anxiety, total scores of Trait Anxiety, and total scores of Anxiety Sensitivity Scale) was assessed individually with partial correlations adjusted by age and then together using multiple regression analysis. The total scores of Athens Insomnia Scale were significantly associated with total scores of Beck Depression Inventory excluded item 16 (r=0.541, p<0.001), total scores of Trait Anxiety (r=0.642, p<0.001), total scores of State Anxiety (r=0.267, p<0.05), and total scores of Anxiety Sensitivity Index (r=0.312, p<0.01). Total scores of trait anxiety showed the highest correlation with the total scores of Athens Insomnia Scale and was the significant predictor to total scores of Athens Insomnia Scale among the other predictor variables (p<0.001). These results show that insomnia severity is positively correlated with depression, anxiety, and anxiety sensitivity. The correlation was strongest with trait anxiety. In addition, our results suggest that trait anxiety is associated with insomnia severity in general populations.