• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.127-137
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• 1987

Steroid hormone profiles during luteal phases after in vitro fertilization(IVF) and embryo transfer(ET) have been evaluated in 83 cycles stimulated by pure follicle-stimulating hormone/human menopausal gonadotropin/human chorionic gonadotropin, in which 13 patients became pregnant. Serum estradiol($E_2$) and progesterone($P_4$) levels were determined on days 2, 5, 7 and 9 after laparoscopic follicle aspiration. The follicular $E_2$ peak was slightly higher in pregnancies than in failures. Positive correlations were observed between the follicular $E_2$ peaks and the $P_4$ levels on days 5 and 7 of the luteal phase in pregnancies, but no correlation was found in failures. The $E_2$ and $P_4$ levels on days 5 and 7 of the luteal phase were significantly higher in pregnancies than in failures, but not different on days 2 and 9. Values of the $P_4/E_2$ ratio were similar between the two groups. The luteal phase durations were 12 to 19 days and no correlation was observed between the lengths of luteal phase and the luteal $E_2$ or $P_4$ concentrations. These data suggest that high $P_4$ levels in the mid-luteal phase, which have positive correlations with the follicular $E_2$ peaks, might have a favorable influence on the pregnancy success in human IVF.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.97-107
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• 2015

Objectives Hataedock is the treatment that dispels toxic heat and meconium gathered at the fetus for the new born baby by orally administered herbal extracts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether Hataedock alleviate inflammatory skin damages in AD-induced NC/Nga mice through regulating of skin barrier maintain and Th2 differentiation. Methods We established an AD model in the 3-week-old NC/Nga mice through the repeated application of DNFB (dinitrochlorobenzene) on days 28, 35, 42 after Hataedock treatment which was orally administered. We identified the changes of skin barrier and Th2 differentiation through the histological and immunohistochemical changes of protein kinase C (PKC), interleukin (IL)-4, degranulated mast cell, Substance P and MMP-9. Results Our results suggested that Hataedock treatment significantly down-regulated levels of PKC by 82% (p < 0.001), as well as IL-4 by 56% (p < 0.001). Hataedock also suppressed mast cell infiltration, ear edema formation. and Substance P in the tissue of NC/Nga mice were decreased by 57% (p < 0.001), and MMP-9 by 55% (p < 0.001). Conclusions These results suggest that Hataedock alleviates AD through the down-regulation of PKC and Th2 cytokines, which are involved in the initial steps of AD development. Hataedock have potential application for the treatment of AD.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.9-17
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• 2004

Objective : Mesangial cell proliferation and excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins is the common pathologic feature of glomerulosclerosis, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) BB-chain, transforming growth factor betal $(TGF-{\beta}1)$, cyclin dependent kinases (CDK) and CDK inhibitors mediated in these pathophysiological processes. Bupleurum falcatum which is one of the most widely used components in traditional oriental medicines, has multiple pharmacological effects, such as antipyretic, analgesic, immune modulating, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-thrombotic, anti-atherosclerotic, and antitussive effects. Methods : In this study, we evaluated the influence of Bupleurum falcatum on mesangial cell proliferation, DNA synthesis and expression of PDGF-BB chain, $TGF-{\beta}1$, CDKI, CDK2, CDK4, p21 and p27 in fetal bovine serum (FBS)-activated human mesangial cell. Results : Bupleurum falcatum reduced the mesangial cell proliferation and DNA synthesis more than control and captopril. And in the ELISA analysis of $TGF-{\beta}1$, and RT-PCR of PDGF-BB chain, CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, p21, and p27, Bupleurum falcatum inhibited the expression of $TGF-{\beta}1$ protein and PDGF-BB, CDK1, CDK2 gene and promoted that of p21 gene in a dose-dependent manner in comparing with control and captopril. Conclusions: These results suggest that Bupleurum falcatum may inhibit the mesangial cell proliferation and DNA synthesis by regulation of PDGF-BB and $TGF-{\beta}1$ expressions, and by modulation of CDK1, CDK2 and p21 expression.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.69 no.3
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• pp.184-190
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• 2010

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of chest computed tomographic (CT) parameters in acute submassive pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods: Between January 2006 and December 2009, 268 consecutive patients with acute submassive PE that was confirmed by chest CT with pulmonary angiography in emergency room were studied. One experienced radiologist measured CT parameters and judged the presence of right ventricular dysfunction. CT parameters were analyzed to determine their ability to predict a major adverse event (MAE). Results: There were 220 patients included and 61 (27.7%) had MAE. Left ventricular and right ventricular maximum minor axis ($36.4{\pm}8.0$ vs. $41.7{\pm}7.4$, p<0.01; $45.7{\pm}9.4$ vs. $41.5{\pm}7.6$, p<0.01), superior vena cava diameter ($19.2{\pm}3.4$ vs. $18.0{\pm}3.4$, p=0.02), azygos vein diameter ($10.0{\pm}2.2$ vs. $9.2{\pm}2.3$, p=0.02), septal displacement (19 vs. 18, p<0.01) were significantly higher in MAE group than in no MAE group. Patients with MAE had high right ventricular/left ventricular dimension ratio (RV/LV ratio) compared to patients without MAE ($1.34{\pm}0.48$ vs. $1.03{\pm}0.28$, p<0.01). The most useful cut-off value of RV/LV ratio for MAE was 1.3 and the area under the curve was 0.71 (0.62~0.79). Conclusion: RV/LV ratio on chest CT was a significant predictor of submassive PE related shock, intubation, in-hospital mortality, thrombolysis, thrombectomy within 30 days.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.973-976
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• 2005

The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of Scutellariae Radix(SR) extract on cytokines in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice. In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were sensitized and handicapped by OVA for 12 weeks. During this experiment, the one group was then treated with SR extract for the later 8 weeks (3 times per week) and analyzed by ELISA. There were significant decreases in IL-4(p<0.05), IL-5(p<0.05), IL-13(p<0.01), histamine(p<0.05) in serum of SR group. IgE also decreased, but was not significant compared with that of control group. The results of this study support a role for SR as an effective treatment for asthma in its experimental success in significantly decreasing inflammation and asthma reactions.

• Kidney Research and Clinical Practice
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.48-57
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• 2017

Background: Hepatic steatosis measured with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) using transient elastography predicts metabolic syndrome in the general population. We investigated whether CAP predicted metabolic syndrome in chronic kidney disease patients. Methods: CAP was measured with transient elastography in 465 predialysis chronic kidney disease patients (mean age, 57.5 years). Results: The median CAP value was 239 (202-274) dB/m. In 195 (41.9%) patients with metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus was more prevalent (105 [53.8%] vs. 71 [26.3%], P < 0.001), with significantly increased urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (184 [38-706] vs. 56 [16-408] mg/g Cr, P = 0.003), high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (5.4 [1.4-28.2] vs. 1.7 [0.6-9.9] mg/L, P < 0.001), and CAP (248 [210-302] vs. 226 [196-259] dB/m, P < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, CAP was independently related to body mass index (${\beta}=0.742$, P < 0.001), triglyceride levels (${\beta}=2.034$, P < 0.001), estimated glomerular filtration rate (${\beta}=0.316$, P = 0.001), serum albumin (${\beta}=1.386$, P < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (${\beta}=0.064$, P = 0.029), and total bilirubin (${\beta}=-0.881$, P = 0.009). In multiple logistic regression analysis, increased CAP was independently associated with increased metabolic syndrome risk (per 10 dB/m increase; odds ratio, 1.093; 95% confidence interval, 1.009-1.183; P = 0.029) even after adjusting for multiple confounding factors. Conclusion: Increased CAP measured with transient elastography significantly correlated with and could predict increased metabolic syndrome risk in chronic kidney disease patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.1661-1675
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• 2016

Objectives: Can addition of neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists (NK1-RAs) be considered as an ideal strategy for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)? Researchers differ on this question. Materials and Methods: Electronic databases were searched for randomized control trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effectiveness and safety of NK1-RAs in preventing CINV. The primary end point was complete response (CR) in the acute, delayed, and overall phases after chemotherapy. Subgroup analyses evaluated the types of NK1-RAs, routines of administration, types of malignancies, regimens used in combination with NK1-RAs, and age of patients included in the studies. The incidences of different types of adverse events were also extracted to estimate the safety of NK1-RAs. Results: A total of 38 RCTs involving 13,923 patients were identified. The CR rate of patients receiving NK-RAs was significantly higher than patients in the control groups during overall phase (70.8% vs 56.0%, P<0.001), acute phase (85.1% vs 79.6%, P<0.001), and delayed phase (71.4% vs 58.2%, P<0.001). There were three studies including patients of children or adolescents, the CR rate was also significantly higher in the treatment group (overall phase: OR=2.807, P<0.001; acute phase: OR=2.863, P =0.012; delayed phase: OR=2.417, P<0.001). For all the other outcomes, patients in the NK1-RAs groups showed improvements compared to the control groups (incidence of nausea: 45.2% vs 45.9%, P<0.001; occurrence of vomiting: 22.6% vs 38.9%, P<0.001; usage of rescue drugs: 23.5% vs 34.1%, P<0.001). The pooled side effects from NK1-RAs did not significantly differ from previous reports and the toxicity rates in patients less than eighteen years old also did not diff between the two groups (P=0.497). However, we found that constipation and insomnia were more common in the patients of control groups, whereas diarrhea and hiccups were more frequently detected in patients receiving NK1-RAs. Conclusions: NK1-RAs improved the CR rate of CINV. They are effective for both adults and children. The use of NK1-RAs might be associated with the appearance of diarrhea and hiccups, while decreasing the possibility of constipation and insomnia.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.71 no.6
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• pp.417-424
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• 2011

Background: Recent evidences have revealed metabolic functions of p53 in cancer cells; adaptation or survival to metabolic stress and metabolic shift toward oxidative phosphorylation. However, further studies in clinical setting are needed. We investigated whether p53 protein expression, as a surrogate marker for loss of p53 function, is associated with metabolic features of stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), focusing on tumor necrosis and maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on $^{18}F$-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. Methods: Clinical information was obtained from retrospective review of medical records. p53 expression was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. Results: p53 protein expression was detected in 112 (46%) of 241 NSCLC cases included in this study. p53 expression was independently associated with the presence of necrosis (odds ratio [OR], 2.316; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.215~4.416; p=0.011). Non-adenocarcinoma histology (OR, 8.049; 95% CI, 4.072~15.911; p<0.001) and poorly differentiation (OR, 6.474; 95% CI, 2.998~13.979; p<0.001) were also independently associated with the presence of necrosis. However, p53 expression was not a significant factor for SUVmax. Conclusion: p53 protein expression is independently associated with the presence of necrosis, but not SUVmax.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.353-359
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• 2013

Objectives: We examined the trends in prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Korea as a basis for improving hypertension control programs. Methods: 12 598 participants of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included in this study. Weighted linear regression to test time trends from 2007 to 2011 was performed. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 20.7% in 2007, 29.4% in 2009, and 26.2% in 2011. Awareness of hypertension was 64.8% in 2007 and 61.1% in 2011. Awareness in those aged 65 and over was greater than in younger groups (age 19 to 44 and 45 to 64; p<0.001). The treatment rates were 58.4% in 2007 and 56.8% in 2011. The treatment rate was greater for those 65 and over than for younger age groups (p<0.001). The percentage of controlled hypertension was 37.6% in 2011. The percentage of controlled hypertension in those 65 and over was higher than in younger age groups (p<0.001). The treatment-control rates were 65.9% in 2007 and 67.7% in 2011. The prevalence of hypertension was higher in the males (p<0.001), while the awareness (p<0.001), treatment (p<0.001), and control (p<0.001) rates were higher in the females. Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension was increasing and the hypertension awareness, treatment, and control rates were low in younger age groups and males.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.56-62
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• 2021

Madecassoside, an active ingredient extracted from Centella asiatica, is used for treatment of various skin disorders in humans. However, the effect of madecassoside on the skin of dogs and cats has not been studied yet. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical efficacy of topical madecassoside cream in dogs and cats with skin diseases. A total of twenty-one dogs and ten cats with various skin diseases were included in the study. The 1% topical madecassoside cream was applied to the animal's skin lesion at least once a day for 7 days, and the skin condition was evaluated before the application of madecassoside cream (day 0) and 7 days after the application (day 7). The skin condition was scored by five clinical indices: canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index-4 (CADESI-4), coat condition, pruritus, scale, and general condition. In dogs, all five clinical indices (CADESI-4, coat condition, pruritus, scale, and general condition) were significantly decreased on day 7 compared to those on day 0 (p < 0.0001, p < 0.05, p < 0.001, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively). In cats, the CADESI-4 and scale were significantly decreased on day 7 compared to those on day 0 (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). No adverse effects were observed during the trial period in the dogs and cats included in this study. The results of this study demonstrate that the topical madecassoside cream is applicable to skin lesions in dogs and cats.