• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.999-1002
• /
• 2012

Epirus is a rural area of North-Western Greece. We reviewed data from 4 hospitals for 4.975 patients who underwent prostate biopsy in Epirus in the twelve year period from 1999 to 2010. Two six -year periods were compared (1999-2004 and 2004-2010). All cases of prostate cancer confirmed by biopsy were recorded and age-standardized incidence rates per 100,000 males were calculated. We also recorded the clinical stage for patients diagnosed in our hospital and correlated this with PSA and Gleason scores. Percentage of positive prostate biopsies was also calculated. There were a total of 1714 new cases during 1999-2010 and the mean annual age-adjusted incidence was 34/100.000. The mean incidences during 1999-2004 and 2005-2010 were 26/100,000 and 42/100,000, respectively. The mean age at diagnosis was 74. The most common Gleason score was 6 and the prevalent clinical stage was T2. Median PSA at diagnosis was 10.8 ng/ml. There was a significant difference between stage cT4 and all other stages regarding PSA value (p=0.000). A positive correlation was found between Gleason score and PSA (p=0.013). These results are in accordance with the incidence rise recorded in neighboring countries of South-East Europe. However we should keep in mind the risk of overdiagnosis and the detection of low-risk cancers that would not have caused morbidity or death during a man's lifetime anyway.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.57 no.1
• /
• pp.44-52
• /
• 2024

Background: Visceral pleural invasion (VPI) is a poor prognostic factor that contributes to the upstaging of early lung cancers. However, the preoperative assessment of VPI presents challenges. This study was conducted to examine intraoperative pleural carcinoembryonic antigen (pCEA) level and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) as predictive markers of VPI in patients with clinical T1N0M0 lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of the medical records of 613 patients who underwent intraoperative pCEA sampling and lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer. Of these, 390 individuals with clinical stage I adenocarcinoma and tumors ≤30 mm were included. Based on computed tomography findings, these patients were divided into pleural contact (n=186) and non-pleural contact (n=204) groups. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to analyze the association between pCEA and SUVmax in relation to VPI. Additionally, logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate risk factors for VPI in each group. Results: ROC curve analysis revealed that pCEA level greater than 2.565 ng/mL (area under the curve [AUC]=0.751) and SUVmax above 4.25 (AUC=0.801) were highly predictive of VPI in patients exhibiting pleural contact. Based on multivariable analysis, pCEA (odds ratio [OR], 3.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-7.87; p=0.026) and SUVmax (OR, 5.25; 95% CI, 1.90-14.50; p=0.001) were significant risk factors for VPI in the pleural contact group. Conclusion: In patients with clinical stage I lung adenocarcinoma exhibiting pleural contact, pCEA and SUVmax are potential predictive indicators of VPI. These markers may be helpful in planning for lung cancer surgery.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.43 no.1
• /
• pp.46-53
• /
• 1996

Background: Endotoxin or lipopolysaccharide(LPS) can prime phagocytic cells such as polymorphonuclear leukocytes, monocytes or animal peritoneal macrophages to generate increased amounts of secretory products such as oxygen free radicals and tumor necrosis factor, which play an important role in developing adult respiratory distress syndrome in gram negative sepsis. Human alveolar macrophages(HAM) are continuously exposed to various stimuli inhaled into the alveoli, and the response to LPS might be different in HAM. Therefore, we investigated the effect of LPS pre-exposure on HAM adhered to plastic surface and A549 cell(type II human alveolar epithelial cell line) monolayer. Methods: HAM were isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from normal lung of the patients with localized lung cancer and esophageal cancer. LPS was exposed to HAM for 2hrs before or after adherence to plastic surface of 24-well Linbro plate and A549 cell monolayer. And then HAM was stimulated with PMA(phorbol myristate acetate) or fMLP(N-formyl-methionylleucyl-phenylalanine). The amount of hydrogen peroxide($H_2O_2$) production in the supernatant was measured on the principle of peroxidase-dependent oxidation of phenol red by hydrogen peroxide. Results: LPS pre-exposure could not enhance $H_2O_2$ production in neither HAM adhered to plastic surface nor one to A549 cell monolayer. But LPS even in the absence of PMA or fMLP stimulation directly increased $H_2O_2$ release in HAM if added after the adherence to A549 cell monolayer. Conclusion: Endotoxin does not prime HAM, but may directly activate HAM adhered to alveolar epithelial cells. Further investagation will be necessary.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.159-170
• /
• 2006

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of two dry matter levels of liquid swine manure on dry matter yield and nutritive value of Italian ryegrass, rye and oats, and the chemical characteristics of soil in Jeju. This experiment tested in split plot design. Three forage crops (Italian ryegrass, rye and oats) were the main plot and four fertilizers (no fertilizer=T0, chemical fertilizer=T1, liquid swine manure with DM 2.7%=T2 and liquid swine manure with DM 5.9 %=T3) were the sub plots. Yield and nutrient contents of forage crops and soil properties were determined. Application of liquid swine manure containing 5.9% dry matter resulted in highest DM yield in all three forage crops species compared with the other treatments (p<0.01). Crude protein content(%) and crude protein yield(kg/ha) of forage crops were highest in rye compared with the other forage crops species(p<0.01). K and Mg contents of soil were higher(p<0.01) in rye than in the other species while Na contents was higher(p<0.01) in Italian ryegrass than others. Mg content of soil appeared higher in rye than in the others and higher(p<0.05) in forage crops applied with liquid manure containing 2.7% DM compared with the other species. $NO_3-N$ contents in soil was lower in rye than the other species and higher in species with chemical fertilizer. These findings indicate that most of liquid swine manure produced on local pig farms containing low levels of dry matter and other nutrients suggest a low efficiency of its use as a fertilizer. The liquid swine manure is recommended as a fertilizer for rye production in winter, compared with Italian ryegrass or oat.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.58 no.3
• /
• pp.267-276
• /
• 2005

Background : The transforming growth $factor-{\beta}1$ ($TGF-{\beta}1$) plays a key role in lung fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in $TGF-{\beta}1$-induced lung fibrosis are unclear. $TGF-{\beta}1$ is the key inducer of myofibroblast transdifferentiation via de novo synthesis of ${\alpha}-smooth$ muscle actin (${\alpha}-SMA$). Since $TGF-{\beta}1$ signals through reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ROS have been shown to induce accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in various tissues, this study examined if ROS play a role in $TGF-{\beta}1$-induced fibronectin secretion and ${\alpha}-SMA$ expression in human lung fibroblasts, MRC-5 cells. Methods : Growth arrested and synchronized MRC-5 cells were stimulated with $TGF-{\beta}1$ (0.2-10 ng/ml) in the presence or absence of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) for up to 96 hours. Dichlorofluorescein (DCF)-sensitive cellular ROS were measured by FACScan and secreted fibronectin and cellular ${\alpha}-SMA$ by Western blot analysis. Results : $TGF-{\beta}1$ increased the level of fibronectin secretion and ${\alpha}-SMA$ expression in MRC-5 cells in a dosedependent manner. Both NAC (20 and 30 mM) and DPI (1 and $5{\mu}M$) significantly inhibited $TGF-{\beta}1$-induced fibronectin and ${\alpha}-SMA$ upregulation. The $TGF-{\beta}1$-induced cellular ROS level was also significantly reduced by NAC and DPI. Conclusions : The results suggest that NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS play an important role in $TGF-{\beta}1$-induced fibronectin secretion and ${\alpha}-SMA$ expression in MRC-5 cells, which leads to myofibroblast transdifferentiation and progressive lung fibrosis.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.131-136
• /
• 1997

The hemodynamic effects of thyroid hormones which is well established, affect myocardial contractility, heart rate, and myocardial oxygen consumption. The alterations in thyroid function test are frequently seen in patients with nonthyroidal illness and often correlate with the severity of the illness and the prosnosis. In this study, thyroid hormone changes were investigated in 20 patients who received cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB). All patients showed a state of biochemical euthyroidism preoperatively: The results were as follows : 1. Serum triiodothyronine(73) reached to its nadir(30.05 $\pm$ 17.5ng/dl, p(0.001) at 10 minutes after the start of CPB and remained low(p(0.05) throughout the study period. 2. Serum thyroxine(74) concentr tion slightly decreased after CPB, but maintained within normal range. 3. Serum free thyroxine(W4) concentration slightly increased after CPB, but maintained within normal range. 4. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH) concentration increased 10 minute after CPB, reached to its nadir(3.37 $\pm$ 0.81u1U/m1, p(0.001) at 2 hours after CPB. After then, serum TSH concentration decreased and reached its normal levels at 24 hours after CPB. 5. The patients whose postoperative recovery was uneventful(Group 1) had higher serum 73 levels than those who had postoperative complications(Group 2)(p<0.05). Group 1 showed elevating patterns of serum 73 in the fourth day after operation, whereas group 2 did not show such an elevating pattern. These findings are similar to the euthyroid sick syndrome seen in severely ill patients and indicate that patients undergoing open heart surgery have suppression of the pituitary-thyroid axis.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
• /
• v.41 no.4
• /
• pp.465-474
• /
• 1996

The study was carried out to determine the proper concentration of plant growth regulator, kinetin on alleviating copper toxicity for two rice cultivars of seed germination. The results were as followings : Soaking treatment of kinetin 10$^{-3}$ M increased the germination rate of both cultivars, Ilpumbyeo and Hyangmibyeo 1 by 92% and 88% as compared with copper treatment (60ppm). But the soaking treatment effect of plant growth regulator, kinetin was not recognized at the kinetin 10$^{-4}$ M and 10$^{-5}$ M. Chlorophyll content of both rices was higher than that of Hyangmibyeo 1. Copper content of Ilpumbyeo was higher in leaf than in seed part. At the 3 days after treatment of copper 60ppm, both cultivars of treatment of kinetin 1O-3M showed the somewhat thin bands at the 35 and 40kDa compared with others. A new protein band pattern was only appeared to kinetin 1O-3M at approximately 54.4kDa(M. W) at the 7 days after treatment of copper 60ppm in llpumbyeo cultivar, SOD activity of copper 60ppm treatment increased in 3DAT, but there were no significant differences in 5 and 7DAT of two cultivars. Free proline contents of copper 60ppm treatment in llpumbyeo were remarkably increased about 4.996$\mu$M. In particular, free proline content of kinetin l0$^{-3}$ M in Ilpumbyeo was 5.008$\mu$M in 3DAT. In case of Hwangmibyeo 1, free proline content of copper 60ppm was 5.825$\mu$M compared with an untreated control showing 2.34l$\mu$M. The effects of kinetin treatment were recognized to promote the root growth and germination rate under copper toxicity(60ppm) condition in both cultivars.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.14 no.7
• /
• pp.3326-3337
• /
• 2013

This study was performed to determine health-related dietary and lifestyle of characteristic factors associated with sodium hyperingestion of korean adults by sexual difference. Study subjects were 30~69years (n=1,622) adults who participated in the 2010 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V-1). Subjects were divided into the hyperingestion group (HG, n=1,494) and normal ingestion group (NG, n=128) by 'WHO growth standard sodium intakes(2,000mg/day)' and the relationships between Comparison of demographics and physical measurement, eating behaviors and health-related factors were analyzed. By logistic regression method, risk factors for sodium hyperingestion group revealed in this study were gender(female), number of family', 'breakfast', 'lunch', 'dinner', 'nutrition labeling use'. and In case of male, risk factors for sodium hyperingestion group were 'lunch', 'dinner', 'self-rated body image' of eating behaviors. In case of female, Which were number of family' of demographics, 'breakfast', 'lunch', 'dinner' of eating behaviors. In these results, according to different sexual aspect of sodium hyperingestion, we suggest that nutrition label use and proper nutrition intake criteria among sexual, recognition promotion campaign along with education program for repressed sodium hyperingestion related to hypertension prevention of korean adults should include eating habits improvement and demographics lifestyle modification.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.31 no.1
• /
• pp.67-74
• /
• 2004

Objective: This study was to examine in vitro neural cell differentiation pattern of the genetically modified human embryonic stem cells expressing tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Materials and Methods: Human embryonic stem (hES, MB03) cell was transfected with cDNAs cording for TH. Successful transfection was confirmed by western immunoblotting. Newly transfected cell line (TH#2/MB03) was induced to differentiate by two neurogenic factors retinoic acid (RA) and b-FGF. Exp. I) Upon differentiation using RA, embryoid bodies (EB, for 4 days) derived from TH#2/MB03 cells were exposed to RA ($10^{-6}M$)/AA ($5{\times}10^{-2}mM$) for 4 days, and were allowed to differentiate in N2 medium for 7, 14 or 21 days. Exp. II) When b-FGF was used, neuronal precursor cells were expanded at the presence of b-FGF (10 ng/ml) for 6 days followed by a final differentiation in N2 medium for 7, 14 or 21 days. Neuron differentiation was examined by indirect immunocytochemistry using neuron markers (NF160 & NF200). Results: After 7 days in N2 medium, approximately 80% and 20% of the RA or b-FGF induced Th#2/MB03 cells were immunoreactive to anti-NF160 and anti-NF200 antibodies, respectively. As differentiation continued, NF200 in RA treated cells significantly increased to 73.0% on 14 days compared to that in b-FGF treated cells (53.0%, p<0.05), while the proportion of cells expressing NF160 was similarly decreased between two groups. However, throughout the differentiation, expression of TH was maintained ($\sim$90%). HPLC analyses indicated the increased levels of L-DOPA in RA treated genetically modified hES cells with longer differentiation time. Conclusion: These results suggested that a genetically modified hES cells (TH#2/MB03) could be efficiently differentiated in vitro into mature neurons by RA induction method.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.107-116
• /
• 2013

Polar pesticides like pymetrozine (log $P_{ow}$: -0.18) are known to be difficult to analyze. The analytical method of pymetrozine using hydromatrix included in the official method of KFDA was uncommon and provided ambiguous evidence to confirm both the identity and the quantity. Therefore, precise single residue analytical method was developed in representative crops for using liquid-liquid extraction (LLE). The pymetrozine residue was extracted with methanol from 11 representative crops which comprised apple, blueberry, broccoli, cabbage, cherry, crown daisy, hulled rice, Korean cabbage, potato, rice and watermelon. The extract was purified serially by liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and silica solid phase extraction (SPE). For rice and hulled rice samples, n-hexane partition was additionally adopted to remove nonpolar interferences, mainly lipids. The residue levels were analyzed by HPLC with DAD, using $C_8$ column. LOQ (limit of quantitation) of pymetroizinie was 1 ng (S/N > 10) and MQL (method quantitation limit) was 0.01 mg/kg. Mean recoveries from 11 crop samples fortified at three levels (MQL, 10 ${\times}$ MQL and 50 ${\times}$ MQL) in triplicate were in the range of 83.1~98.5% with coefficients of variation (CV) of less than 10%, regardless of sample type, which satisfies the criteria of KFDA. The method established in this study could be applied to most of crops as an official and general method for analysis of pymetrozine residue.