• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.343-351
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• 2020

Sorbus commixta Hedl. has traditionally been used as a remedy for cough, asthma, and other bronchial disorders. In this study, three major triterpenoids-lupeol, β-sitosterol, and ursolic acid and a coumarin, scopoletin, were isolated from a CHCl₃-soluble fragment of the bark of S. commixta. Their structures were identified by spectroscopic analyses, including mass spectrometry (MS), 1D-, and 2D- nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), as well as by comparing the data with data reported in the literature. Scopoletin was isolated from this plant for the first time. It is a nutraceutical compound contained in many plants that has been reported to exert diverse biological activities, including anti-inflammatory effects. This study examined the inhibitory effect of scopoletin on TNF-α-induced vascular endothelial inflammation. Unlike the marginal impact of other compounds against low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and vascular endothelial inflammation, scopoletin showed remarkable activity on LDL oxidation (IC₅₀ = 10.2 μM) and exerted vascular anti-inflammatory effects in EA.hy926 human endothelial cells activated by TNF-α. It suppressed the expression of adhesion molecules, such as ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin, and blocked the adhesion between THP-1 monocytes and EA. hy926 endothelial cells. It also inhibited TNF-α-induced NF-κB translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus. Moreover, IκBα phosphorylation, which was increased by TNF-α treatment, was reduced after treatment with scopoletin. Thus, scopoletin inhibited TNF-α-induced vascular inflammation in endothelial cells by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway. These results demonstrate that owing to its anti-inflammatory activity in the vascular endothelium, scopoletin has the potential to inhibit atherosclerosis development.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.359-369
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• 2020

Although many studies on immune modulatory materials have used RAW 264.7 cells, few have used T cell-derived TK-1 cell lines. Moreover, although some studies have investigated the efficacy of plant-derived β-sitosterol, few have examined the immunomodulatory activity of its analogue, daucosterol. In this study, β-sitosterol and daucosterol were isolated from D. batatas and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. To evaluate the immune-enhancing or inhibitory effects of the isolated phytosterols, the expression levels of the inflammatory response genes COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS were analyzed by RT-PCR. The relative expression levels of TNF-α and iNOS in RAW 264.7 cells were increased more than threefold with β-sitosterol treatment comparing to those of untreated control. In the case of TK-1 cells, the expression level of TNF-α was decreased and the expression level of iNOS was increased in a β-sitosterol concentration-dependent manner. The expression levels of COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6 increased by approximately 0.7-1.2 times in RAW 264.7 cells treated with daucosterol compared to those of untreated control, but iNOS expression decreased by 0.8-0.18 times. In the case of daucosterol-treated TK-1 cells, the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS were markedly reduced from those of TK-1 cells treated only with lipopolysaccaride. As a conclusion, β-sitosterol treatment increased TNF-α and iNOS expression levels in RAW 264.7 cells, thus exerting an immune- boosting effect. However, in TK-1 cells, iNOS expression increased while TNF-α expression decreased, indicating an immunosuppressive activity of β-sitosterol. Daucosterol appears to exert an immunosuppressive effect in both macrophages and T cell lines by inhibiting iNOS expression in RAW 264.7 cells and greatly inhibiting the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS in TK-1 cells.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.25-29
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• 2010

To evaluate the usefulness of newly designed percutaneous bone biopsy needle for pumpkin's specimen collection. We manufactured three types of biopsy needle with different internal processing which were made of 10 mm-diameter acrylic material. We made the conventional type (Ct) similar to the clinical type then compared the test group. The type a (Ta) made 1 cm-length internal processing from the distal, type b (Tb) made taper, and type c (Tc) made internal processing like spiral configuration. We performed 20 times biopsy to get an 10 mm length specimen from pumpkin's surface and evaluated the success rate of the biopsy, length of the specimen, and determine internal processing type of the most suitable biopsy needle (ANOVA test). Success rates of Ct, Ta, Tb, and Tc were 55%, 80%, 90%, and 100%, respectively. The lengths of the specimen of Ct, Ta, Tb, and Tc were $5.6{\pm}1.1\;mm$, $5.9{\pm}0.87\;mm$, $3.9{\pm}0.77\;mm$, and $9.4{\pm}0.54\;mm$, respectively. All groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05) except the group between Ct and Ta (p = 0.28). Newly designed bone biopsy needle seems to be useful for obtaining enough specimen. Tc may be more effective than other types.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.107-111
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• 2003

Purpose: To establish the role of stereoactic radiosurgery using a linear accelerator for the treatment of patients with cavernous angloma. Materials and Methods: Between February 1995 and May 1997, 11 patients with cavernous angioma were treated with stereotactic radiosurgery using a linear accelerator. Diagnoses were based on the magnetic resonance imaging in 8 patients, and the histological in 3. The vascular lesions were located on the brainstem (5 cases), cerebellum (2 cases) thalamus (1 case) and cerebrum (3 cases). The clinical presentation at onset included previous intracerebral hemorrhages (9 cases) and seizures (2 cases). All patients were treated with a a linac-based radiosurgery. The median dose of radiation delivered was 16 Gy ranging from 14 to 24 Gy, which was typically proscribed to the 80$\%$ isodose surface (range 50 $\~$ 80$\%$), corresponding to the periphery of the lesion with a single isocenter. Ten patients were followed-up. Results: The median follow-up was 49 months ranging from 8 to 73 months, during which time two patients developed an intracerebral hemorrhage, 1 at 8 months, with the other at 64 months post radiosurgery. One patient developed neurological deficit after radiosurgery, and two developed an edema on the T2 weighted images of the MRI surrounding the radiosurgical target. Conclusion: The use of stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of a cavernous angioma may be effective in the prevention of rebleedlng, and can be safely delivered. However, a longer follow-up period will be required.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.96-103
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• 2008

Purpose: To conduct a nationwide academic hospital patterns of the practice status and principles of radiotherapy for prostate cancer. The survey will help develop the framework of a database of Korean in Patterns of Case Study. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire about radiation treatment status and principles was sent to radiation oncologists in charge of prostate cancer treatment at thirteen academic hospitals in Korea. The data was analyzed to find treatment principles among the radiation oncologists when treating prostate cancer. Results: The number of patients with prostate cancer and treated with radiation ranged from 60 to 150 per academic hospital in Seoul City and 10 to 15 outside of Seoul City in 2006. The primary diagnostic methods of prostate cancer included the ultrasound guided biopsy on 6 to 12 prostate sites(mean=9), followed by magnetic resonance imaging and a whole body bone scan. Internal and external immobilizations were used in 61.5% and 76.9%, respectively, with diverse radiation targets. Whole pelvis radiation therapy(dose ranging from 45.0 to 50.4 Gy) was performed in 76.9%, followed by the irradiation of seminal vesicles($54.0{\sim}73.8$ Gy) in 92.3%. The definitive radiotherapy doses were increased as a function of risk group, but the range of radiation doses was wide(60.0 to 78.5 Gy). Intensity modulated radiation therapy using doses greater than 70 Gy, were performed in 53.8% of academic hospitals. In addition, the simultaneous intra-factional boost(SIB) technique was used in three hospitals; however, the target volume and radiation dose were diverse. Radiation therapy to biochemical recurrence after a radical prostatectomy was performed in 84.6%; however, the radiation dose was variable and the radiation field ranged from whole pelvis to prostate bed. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that a nationwide Korean Patterns of Care Study is necessary for the recommendation of radiation therapy guidelines of prostate cancer.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.231-240
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• 2014

The purpose of this study were to analyze that the Seoul neuropsychological screening battery (SNSB) for the evaluating cognitive assessment of the Parkinson's disease patients with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) and the changes of the cerebral ventricle volume in the brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and we has been bring forward the guideline to determine the diagnostic criteria for the PD-MCI. To achieve this, we was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease patients (PD-MCI group: 34 patients; Parkinson's disease with normal cognition, PD-NC group: 34 patients) to perform the SNSB test for the attention, language, memory, visuospatial, and frontal/executive functions and the brain MRI. Additionally, to compared the change of the cerebral ventricle volume, we performed the brain MRI for the 32 normal control (NC) group. The volumetric analysis for a specific cerebral ventricle performed by using Freesurfer Ver. 5.1 (Massachusetts general Hospital, Boston MA, USA). As a results, compared to the PD-NC group, the PD-MCI group were statistically significant reduction in the ability to perform the memory and the visuospatial function (p<0.05). The volumetric changes for a specific cerebral ventricle were statistically significant variation in the left and right lateral ventricle, left and right inferior lateral ventricle, and 3rd ventricle. Although, in order to compared the objectification, the normalized percentage applied to the volumetric changes showed to extend the PD-MCI group than the PD-NC group. Specially, the left and right ventricle extension for the PD-MCI patients conspicuously had showed a quantitative linear relationship between the memory and the visuospatial function for the SNSB (r>0.5, p<0.05). Therefore, we were able to judge the diagnostic criteria of the PD-MCI through that can observe the volumetric variation of the specific cerebral ventricle by using Freesurfer in brain MRI, and to analyze the correlation between the SNSB.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.177-181
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• 2002

Background: Follow-up studies have shown that although outcomes have improved substantially over time, results of the Fontan operation and its modifications remain suboptimal. In this study, we reviewed our experience with the extracardiac conduit Fontan operation, with a focus early and midterm change of internal diameter of PTFE conduit. Material and Method: Between April 1997 and July 2000 were reviewed. Twelve patients (M:6, F:6, mean age 42.04 $\pm$ 12.43months, mean body weight 13.80$\pm$ 1.94kg) underwent extracardiac conduit Fontan operation with expanded PTFE graft. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 109.7$\pm$26.99minute and mean operation time was 455$\pm$89.51minute. Intraoperative fenestration was performed in 10 patients. The aortic cross clamping was not performed in all patients. Result: There was no early deaths and no postoperative dysrhythmia. Postoperative protein losing enteropathy and prolonged pleural effusion occurred in 1(8.3%) and 4 patients(33.3%). Conduit patency was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging studies. A 9.84$\pm$3.84% mean reduction in conduit internal diameter and there was no statistical correlation between the change of internal diameter of conduit and the postoperative duration after partial correlation analysis(r=0.019, p=0.955). Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the extracardiac conduit Fontan operation provies good early and midterm results and may reduce the prevalence of late arrhythmia. And there is no correlation between the change of internal diameter of conduit and the postoperative duration after extracardiac conduit Fontan operation with the expanded PTFE graft conduit.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.64-74
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• 2010

Purpose : The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors, clinical characteristics and prognosis for the development of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in preterm infants according to the extent and site of the PVL. Methods : The medical records of infants (under 36 weeks of gestational age) delivered from January 1999 to December 2008 were reviewed. Twenty-five preterm infants with were PVL were diagnosed by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and an addition 50preterm infants with no brain lesions were enrolled in this study. The perinatal and neonatal risk factors for the development of PVL was determine in these infants. Mental and Psychomotor Developmental Indices (MDI, PDI) were assessed by a clinical psychologist using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II. We compared the differences of the clinical characteristics and prognosis according to brain MRI findings. Results : Maternal fever, young maternal age, extended oxygen use, hypotension within the first week of birth, use of inotropics within the first week of birth, and respiratory distress syndrome were the risk factors associated with PVL (P <0.05). In the multivariate analysis, maternal fever and extended oxygen use were statistically significant independent risk factors (P <0.05). The mean MDI and PDI scores of the PVL group (74.4$\pm$ 27.8 and 58.0$\pm$17.7) were significantly lower than those of the control group (103.5$\pm$8.9 and 101.7$\pm$16.1, P <0.05). Conclusion : Maternal fever and extended oxygen use were independent risk factors for PVL. We should pay attention to infants who had the risk factors and follow them up closely by brain imaging study and Bayley Scales of Infant Development II.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.293-300
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• 1994

It is well known that Tc-99m HMPAO brain SPECT can reflect the functional lesions better than X-ray computerized tomography(CT) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) in the cerebral disorders. In order to evaluate the clinical utilities of Tc-99m HMPAO brain SPECT in patients with post-traumatic chronic organic mental disorder(OMD), we included 28 patients diagnosed as OMD in department of psychiatry after traumatic head injury. And we compared the results of Tc-99m HMPAO SPECT with those of MRI, EEG and MINI mental status ex amination(MMSE). The results were as follows 1) All patients diagnosed as OMD showed diffuse or focal decreased cerebral perfusion on Tc-99m HMPAO SPECT. 2) Most frequent lesion on brain Tc-99m HMPAO SPECT was decreased perfusion on both frontal lobe. And most frequent lesion on brain Tc-99m HMPAO SPECT showing normal brain MRI result was also decreased both frontal perfusion. 3) Eight of 28 patients showed focal brain MRI lesions(4 small frontal hygroma, 3 small cerebral infarction and 1 cerebellar encephalomalacia) which were not detected in brain Tc-99m HMPAO SPECT. 4) The patients showing less than 20 points on MMSE disclosed abnormal results of EEG more frequently than those disclosing more than 20 points. In conclusion, we think that Tc-99m HMPAO brain SPECT is sensitive method to detect functional lesions of the brains in patients with chronic post-traumatic organic mental disorder.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2012.02a
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• pp.100-101
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• 2012

The plasma damage free and room temperature processedthin film deposition technology is essential for realization of various next generation organic microelectronic devices such as flexible AMOLED display, flexible OLED lighting, and organic photovoltaic cells because characteristics of fragile organic materials in the plasma process and low glass transition temperatures (Tg) of polymer substrate. In case of directly deposition of metal oxide thin films (including transparent conductive oxide (TCO) and amorphous oxide semiconductor (AOS)) on the organic layers, plasma damages against to the organic materials is fatal. This damage is believed to be originated mainly from high energy energetic particles during the sputtering process such as negative oxygen ions, reflected neutrals by reflection of plasma background gas at the target surface, sputtered atoms, bulk plasma ions, and secondary electrons. To solve this problem, we developed the NBAS (Neutral Beam Assisted Sputtering) process as a plasma damage free and room temperature processed sputtering technology. As a result, electro-optical properties of NBAS processed ITO thin film showed resistivity of $4.0{\times}10^{-4}{\Omega}{\cdot}m$ and high transmittance (>90% at 550 nm) with nano- crystalline structure at room temperature process. Furthermore, in the experiment result of directly deposition of TCO top anode on the inverted structure OLED cell, it is verified that NBAS TCO deposition process does not damages to the underlying organic layers. In case of deposition of transparent conductive oxide (TCO) thin film on the plastic polymer substrate, the room temperature processed sputtering coating of high quality TCO thin film is required. During the sputtering process with higher density plasma, the energetic particles contribute self supplying of activation & crystallization energy without any additional heating and post-annealing and forminga high quality TCO thin film. However, negative oxygen ions which generated from sputteringtarget surface by electron attachment are accelerated to high energy by induced cathode self-bias. Thus the high energy negative oxygen ions can lead to critical physical bombardment damages to forming oxide thin film and this effect does not recover in room temperature process without post thermal annealing. To salve the inherent limitation of plasma sputtering, we have been developed the Magnetic Field Shielded Sputtering (MFSS) process as the high quality oxide thin film deposition process at room temperature. The MFSS process is effectively eliminate or suppress the negative oxygen ions bombardment damage by the plasma limiter which composed permanent magnet array. As a result, electro-optical properties of MFSS processed ITO thin film (resistivity $3.9{\times}10^{-4}{\Omega}{\cdot}cm$, transmittance 95% at 550 nm) have approachedthose of a high temperature DC magnetron sputtering (DMS) ITO thin film were. Also, AOS (a-IGZO) TFTs fabricated by MFSS process without higher temperature post annealing showed very comparable electrical performance with those by DMS process with $400^{\circ}C$ post annealing. They are important to note that the bombardment of a negative oxygen ion which is accelerated by dc self-bias during rf sputtering could degrade the electrical performance of ITO electrodes and a-IGZO TFTs. Finally, we found that reduction of damage from the high energy negative oxygen ions bombardment drives improvement of crystalline structure in the ITO thin film and suppression of the sub-gab states in a-IGZO semiconductor thin film. For realization of organic flexible electronic devices based on plastic substrates, gas barrier coatings are required to prevent the permeation of water and oxygen because organic materials are highly susceptible to water and oxygen. In particular, high efficiency flexible AMOLEDs needs an extremely low water vapor transition rate (WVTR) of $1{\times}10^{-6}gm^{-2}day^{-1}$. The key factor in high quality inorganic gas barrier formation for achieving the very low WVTR required (under ${\sim}10^{-6}gm^{-2}day^{-1}$) is the suppression of nano-sized defect sites and gas diffusion pathways among the grain boundaries. For formation of high quality single inorganic gas barrier layer, we developed high density nano-structured Al2O3 single gas barrier layer usinga NBAS process. The NBAS process can continuously change crystalline structures from an amorphous phase to a nano- crystalline phase with various grain sizes in a single inorganic thin film. As a result, the water vapor transmission rates (WVTR) of the NBAS processed $Al_2O_3$ gas barrier film have improved order of magnitude compared with that of conventional $Al_2O_3$ layers made by the RF magnetron sputteringprocess under the same sputtering conditions; the WVTR of the NBAS processed $Al_2O_3$ gas barrier film was about $5{\times}10^{-6}g/m^2/day$ by just single layer.