• Korean Journal of Radiology
• /
• v.22 no.7
• /
• pp.1066-1076
• /
• 2021

Objective: To evaluate the performance of the 2018 Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center (KLCA-NCC) Practice Guidelines (hereafter, PG) for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI, compared to the Liver Imaging-Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) version 2018 (hereafter, v2018). Materials and Methods: From January 2013 to October 2015, treatment-naïve hepatic lesions (≥ 1 cm) on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI in consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis B or cirrhosis were retrospectively evaluated. For each lesion, three radiologists independently analyzed the imaging features and classified the lesions into categories according to the 2018 KLCA-NCC PG and LI-RADS v2018. The imaging features and categories were determined by consensus. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to compare the per-lesion diagnostic performance of the 2018 KLCA-NCC PG and LI-RADS v2018 using the consensus data. Results: In total, 422 lesions (234 HCCs, 45 non-HCC malignancies, and 143 benign lesions) from 387 patients (79% male; mean age, 59 years) were included. In all lesions, the definite HCC (2018 KLCA-NCC PG) had a higher sensitivity and lower specificity than LR-5 (LI-RADS v2018) (87.2% [204/234] vs. 80.8% [189/234], p < 0.001; 86.2% [162/188] vs. 91.0% [171/188], p = 0.002). However, in lesions of size ≥ 2 cm, the definite HCC had a higher sensitivity than the LR-5 (86.8% [164/189] vs. 82.0 (155/189), p = 0.002) without a reduction in the specificity (80.0% [48/60] vs. 83.3% [50/60], p = 0.15). In all lesions, the sensitivity and specificity of the definite/probable HCC (2018 KLCA-NCC PG) and LR-5/4 did not differ significantly (89.7% [210/234] vs. 91.5% [214/234], p = 0.204; 83.5% [157/188] vs. 79.3% [149/188], p = 0.071). Conclusion: For the diagnosis of HCC of size ≥ 2 cm, the definite HCC (2018 KLCA-NCC PG) had a higher sensitivity than LR-5, without a reduction in specificity. The definite/probable HCC (2018 KLCA-NCC PG) had a similar sensitivity and specificity to that those of the LR-5/4.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.41 no.5
• /
• pp.452-461
• /
• 1994

Background: Tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-$\alpha$ and Interleukin(lL)-$1{\beta}$ are thought to play a major role in the pathogenesis of the septic syndrome, which is frequently associated with adult respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS). In spite of many reports for the role of TNF-$\alpha$ in the pathogenesis of ARDS, including human studies, it has been reported that TNF-$\alpha$ is not sensitive and specific marker for impending ARDS. But there is a possibility that the results were affected by the diversity of pathogenetic mechanisms leading to the ARDS because of various underlying disorders of the study group in the previous reports. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the roles of TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ as a predictable marker for development of ARDS in the patients with septic syndrome, in which the pathogenesis is believed to be mainly cytokine-mediated. Methods: Thirty-six patients of the septic syndrome hospitalized in the intensive care units of the Asan Medical Center were studied. Sixteens suffered from ARDS, whereas the remaining 20 were at the risk of developing ARDS(acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, AHRF). In all patients venous blood samples were collected in heparin-coated tubes at the time of enrollment, at 24 and 72 h thereafter. TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All data are expressed as median with interquartile range. Results: 1) Plama TNF-$\alpha$ levels: Plasma TNF-$\beta$ levels were less than 10pg/mL, which is lowest detection value of the kit used in this study within the range of the $mean{\pm}2SD$, in all of the normal controls, 8 of 16 subjects of ARDS and in 8 in 20 subjects of AHRF. Plasma TNF-$\alpha$ levels from patients with ARDS were 10.26pg/mL(median; <10-16.99pg/mL, interquartile range) and not different from those of patients at AHRF(10.82, <10-20.38pg/mL). There was also no significant difference between pre-ARDS(<10, <10-15.32pg/mL) and ARDS(<10, <10-10.22pg/mL). TNF-$\alpha$ levels were significantly greater in the patients with shock than the patients without shock(12.53pg/mL vs. <10pg/mL) (p<0.01). There was no statistical significance between survivors(<10, <10-12.92pg/mL) and nonsurvivors(11.80, <10-20.8pg/mL) (P=0.28) in the plasma TNF-$\alpha$ levels. 2) Plasma IL-$1{\beta}$ levels: Plasma IL-$1{\beta}$ levels were less than 0.3ng/mL, which is the lowest detection value of the kit used in this study, in one of each patients group. There was no significant difference in IL-$1{\beta}$ levels of the ARDS(2.22, 1.37-8.01ng/mL) and of the AHRF(2.13, 0.83-5.29ng/mL). There was also no significant difference between pre-ARDS(2.53, <0.3-8.34ngfmL) and ARDS(5.35, 0.66-11.51ng/mL), and between patients with septic shock and patients without shock (2.51, 1.28-8.34 vs 1.46, 0.15-2.13ng/mL). Plasma IL-$1{\beta}$ levels were significantly different between survivors(1.37, 0.4-2.36ng/mL) and nonsurvivors(2.84, 1.46-8.34ng/mL). Conclusion: Plasma TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ level are not a predictable marker for development of ARDS. But TNF-$\alpha$ is a marker for shock in septic syndrome. These result could not exclude a possibility of pathophysiologic roles of TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ in acute lung injury because these cytokine could be locally produced and exert its effects within the lungs.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
• /
• v.26 no.7
• /
• pp.564-568
• /
• 2003

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of gliclazide were studied after an oral administration of gliclazide tablets in healthy volunteers. After an overnight fasting, gliclazide tablet was orally administered to 11 volunteers; Additional 10 volunteers were used as a control group (i.e., no gliclazide administration). Blood samples were collected, and the concentration determined for gliclazide and glucose up to 24 after the administration. Standard pharmacokinetic analysis was carried out for gliclazide. Pharmacodynamic activity of the drug was expressed by increase of glucose concentration ($\Delta$PG), by area under the increase of glucose concentration-time curve ($AUC_{$\Delta$PG}$) or by the difference in increase of glucose concentration ($D_{$\Delta$PG}$) at each time between groups with and without gliclazide administration. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that $C_{max}, T_{max}$, CL/F (apparent clearance), V/F (apparent volume of distribution) and half-life of gliclazide were $4.69\pm1.38 mg/L, 3.45\pm1.11 h, 1.26\pm0.35 L/h, 17.78\pm5.27 L, and 9.99\pm2.15 h$, respectively. When compared with the no drug administration group, gliclazide decreased significantly the $AUC_{$\Delta$PG}$ s at 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 h (p＜0.05). The $\Delta$PGs were positively correlated with $AUC_{gliclazide}$ at 1 and 1.5 h (p＜0.05), and the correlation coefficient was maximum at 1 h (r = 0.642) and gradually decreased at 4 h after the administration. The $AUC_{$\Delta$PG}$s were positively correlated with $AUC_{gliclazide}$ at 1, 2, 3 and 4 h (p＜0.05), and the maximum correlation coefficient was obtained at 2 h (r=0.642) after the administration. The $D_{$\Delta$PG}$ reached the maximum at 1 h, remained constant from 1 h to 3 h, and decreased afterwards. Therefore, these observations indicated that maximum hypoglycemic effect of gliclazide was reached at approximately at 1.5 h after the administration and the effect decreased, probably because of the homeostasis mechanism, in health volunteers.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
• /
• v.48 no.3
• /
• pp.148-155
• /
• 2021

Gibberellins (GAs) are essential phytohormones for plant growth that influence developmental processes and crop yields. Recent functional genomic analyses of model plants have yielded good characterizations of the canonical GA signaling pathways and related genes. Although Panax ginseng has long been considered to have economic and medicinal importance, functional genomic studies of the GA signaling pathways in this crucial perennial herb plant have been rarely conducted. Here, we identified and performed functional analysis of the GA signaling-related genes, including PgGID1s, PgSLY1s, and PgRGAs. We confirmed that the physiological role of GA signaling components in P. ginseng was evolutionarily conserved. In addition, the important functional domains and amino acid residues for protein interactions among active GA, GID1, SCF^SLY1, and RGA were also functionally conserved. Prediction and comparison of crystallographic structural similarities between PgGID1s and AtGID1a supported their function as GA receptors. Moreover, the subcellular localization and GA-dependent promotion of DELLA degradation in P. ginseng was similar to the canonical GA signaling pathways in other plants. Finally, we found that overexpression of PgRGA2 and PgSLY1-1 was sufficient to complement the GA-related phenotypes of atgid1a/c double- and rga quintuple-mutants, respectively. This critical information for these GA signaling genes has the potential to facilitate future genetic engineering and breeding of P. ginseng for increased crop yield and production of useful substances.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
• /
• v.41 no.1
• /
• pp.52-55
• /
• 2013

Phoma glomerata (Corda) Wollenw. & Hochapfel is a pathogenic fungus causing spot diseases of plant leaves and fruits. This fungus is important in plant quarantine of seedlings and fruits in Korea. The aim of this study was to develop a sensitive and effective diagnostic method for P. glomerata detection in imported plants. The fungal species-specific PCR primers were designed based on the nucleotide sequences of the translation elongation factor 1 alpha gene and their specificity and sensitivity were tested. The designed primers named as PhoGlo-F and PhoGlo-R amplified specifically a 170 bp sized DNA band of the target gene from the genomic DNA of P. glomerata. No amplicon was produced from genomic DNAs of 16 other Phoma spp. and reference fungal species tested. Moreover, PhoGlo-F/PhoGlo-R primers successfully worked with real-time PCR technique. The detection limit of DNA content by conventional and real-time PCR were 10 pg and 1pg of the genomic DNA of P. glomerata, respectively. We believed that the developed makers would be very useful for P. glomerata detection.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.155-161
• /
• 1995

The present investigation has been undertaken to elucidate the differentiation mechanism the uterus which is the environment of the embryo development, by demonstrating the role of ovarian steroids hormone in the decidualization of the pseudopregnant rat uterus. To determine the effect of ovarine steroids and artificial stimulation (trauma) on the differenciation of the uterine endometrium and decidualization for implantation, attempt was made to measure concentrations of serum estradiol($E_2$), progesterone($P_4$) and nuclear $P_4$ receptor in the traumatized and non-traumatized uterine tissue of the pseudopregnant rat. The results obtained are as followings : The concentration of serum $E_2$ on day 9(implantation stage) was similar in both of intact pseudopregnant rat(47.63pg/ml) and normal pregnant rat(40.71pg/ml). And among the treated groups, $E_2$ concentration was highest in the $E_2$ treated group in comparision with intact control group(relative value; 73.27%). The concentration of serum $P_4$ was also highest in the $P_4$ treated group(23.12pg/ml). Relative value of $P_4$ treated group in comparision with intact group(24.88pg/ml) was 92.93%. The nuclear $P_4$ receptor levels in the artificial traumatized groups were higher compared with the non-traumatized control groups. This study, therefore, clearly demonstrates that the methods for inducing pseudopregnant (vagina tapping;120/min) and inducing decidualization(oil injection; 0.1ml/uterine horn) appear to be effective, $P_4$ appears to be effective in the differenciation of the uterine endometrial tissue for the implantation process. Concentration of serum $P_4$ seems to be well correlated with the level of the nuclear $P_4$ receptor during the early embryo development. These results seem to be well correlated with ALPase activities in the normal and pseudopregnant rat uterus shown in the previous study.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.49 no.5
• /
• pp.539-544
• /
• 2006

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to determine whether N-terminal fragment of B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) may be used to differentiate acute Kawasaki disease(KD) from other clinically similar diseases. Methods : Using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, NT-proBNP concentrations were measured in the acute phase within 10 days after the onset of KD(n=58) and in the convalescent phase, 60 to 81 days after the onset(n=51), and also in patients with acute febrile disease as a control(n=34). Echocardiography was performed to detect pericardial effusion(PE) and coronary artery lesions(CAL), and to measure the left ventricular dimension at diastole(LVIDd) and ejection fraction(LVEF). The cutoff value of NT-proBNP for separating KD from other diseases was determined. Results : NT-proBNP concentration in the acute phases of KD was significantly higher than that in the control group($1,501.6{\pm}2,132.6$ vs. $139.0{\pm}88.8pg/mL$, P<0.0001). In KD patients, NT-proBNP was elevated in the acute phase and was lowered in the convalescent phase($1,466.0{\pm}2,173.2$ vs. $117.5{\pm}95.5pg/mL$, P<0.0001). The cutoff value of 260 pg/mL discriminated KD patients from other patients, with a sensitivity of 93 percent and a specificity of 88 percent. The NT-proBNP was higher in patients with PE(n=17) compared with those without PE(n=41)($1,784.2{\pm}1,903.1$ vs. $1,384.4{\pm}2,232.6pg/mL$, P=0.52). Comparison of NT-proBNP could not be done between patients with CAL and those without, owing to a small number of patients with CAL(n=3). There was no correlation between NT-proBNP and LVEF index(r=0.104, P=0.46) or LVIDd index(r=0.171, P=0.22). Conclusion : NT-proBNP increases in the acute phase of KD and decreases to within normal range in the convalescent phase. NT-proBNP >260 pg/mL may be highly suggestive of acute KD. NT-proBNP may be used as a diagnostic tool for KD.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• v.2 no.1
• /
• pp.20-25
• /
• 1998

Purpose : It has been reported that endothelin-1 can be associated with the development of cyclosporine A nephrotoxicity. Levels of endothelin-1 was assayed to determine the effect of cyclosporine A on the plasma and urine levels of this peptide. Method : Nine patients who were less than 15 years of age and were also diagnosed as steroid dependent minimal change nephrotic syndrome were included in this study. Assay of endothelin-1 was done before and 3 months after cyclosporine A treatment. The mean age of the patients was $8.3{\pm}4.6$ years. Result : There was no significant differences in the plasma levels of endothelin-1 before and after 3 months of cyclosporine A treatment ($3.22{\pm}0.39$ pg/mL vs. $3.84{\pm}1.52$ pg/mL, P=0.64). Also there was no changes in the urine levels of endothelin-1 ($21.8{\pm}5.8$ pg/mL vs. $20.3{\pm}3.1$ pg/mL, P=0.30). Conclusion : No significant changes of endothelin-1 levels were found with 3 months of cyclosporine A treatment. Further studies with longer durations will help clarifying the effect.

• Journal of Naturopathy
• /
• v.7 no.2
• /
• pp.63-69
• /
• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Bacillus fermentation broth (ENM) on the human NK cell activity, and bone matrix density, matrix content and area of hamsters fed ENM. Methods: NK cell activity was tested, and bone mineral density were measured by x-ray. Results: NK cell activity was significantly higher in the control group (644.71 pg/ml) and in the test group (1796.37 pg/ml) (p<.004). Test groups were significantly increased by 1110.37 pg/ml in the pre-test and 1796.37 pg/ml in the post-test(p<.001). Behavioral observations after feeding ENM to hamsters showed normal behavior with no difference between control and test groups. The hamster body weight of the control was 106 g at the initial and final 27 days. In the test group, the initial weight was 96.6 g and the final 27 days was 114 g. No morphological changes were observed in the X-ray photographs of the hamster hind legs. The bone matrix density was 0.059 g/cm³ in control and 0.062 g/cm³ in the test, which was increased by 0.003 g/cm³. The bone matrix content was 0.175 g in the control and 0.196 g in the test. The bone area was 2.95 cm² in the control and 3.19 cm² in the test, which was increased by 0.19 cm². In the autopsy, neither the control nor the test group showed any remarkable abnormality, and each organ was normal. Conclusions: It is thought that ingestion of ENM is useful for immunity enhancement.

• Analytical Science and Technology
• /
• v.15 no.3
• /
• pp.270-286
• /
• 2002

The human adipose and milk samples analyzed in this study were collected at hospitals in Seoul, Masan and Jinju. The mean values of International Dioxin Toxic Equivalents (I-TEQ) of PCDDs and PCDFs in human adipose samples from the three regions were calculated as 9 pg I-TEQ/g(0.2 ~ 30 pg TEQ/g, lipid weight basis) and 8 pg I-TEQ/g (0.8 ~ 25 pg TEQ/g), respectively. The residue levels of PCDDs-TEQ and PCDFs-TEQ in human milk collected from Masan were 13 pg I-TEQ/g (lipid wt.) and 4.8 pg I-TEQ/g, respectively. On the whole, the contamination levels of these compounds in the Korean population were lower than those in the other countries. Based on the analytical data and assuming a daily intake consumption of 800 mL milk with 3% fat, the average daily intake of PCDDs/DFs via human milk for a baby weighing 5 Kg could be calculated. The daily intake of PCDDs/DFs via breast-feeding was estimated to be 39 pg/kg body weight/day for 2,3,7,8-TeCDD and 86 pg/kg/day for TEQ. These levels are far above all virtually safe dose(VSD) or tolerable daily intake(TDI) values proposed by health authorities in various countries, ranging from 0.001(US EPA) to 4 pg/kag/day (WHO).