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Magnetic resonance imagining findings of the white matter abnormalities in the brain of very-low-birth-weight infants (극소 저체중 출생아에서 뇌백질 병변의 MRI 소견)

  • Choi, Jae Hyuk;Chang, Young Pyo
    • Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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    • v.52 no.10
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    • pp.1127-1135
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    • 2009
  • Purpose : To observe the abnormal white matter findings on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of very-low- birth-weight (VLBW) infant brains at term-equivalent age and to determine the clinical risk factors for the development of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). Methods : In all, MRI was performed in 98 VLBW infants and the white matter abnormalities were observed. Clinical risk factors for cystic and noncystic PVL were determined. Results : MRI scans of 74 infants (75.5%) showed diffuse excessive high signal intensity (DEHSI) in the periventricular white matter, 17 (17.3%) lateral ventricle dilation, 5 (5.1%) and 11 (11.2%) focal punctate lesions and cystic changes in the periventricular white matter, respectively, 9 (9.1%), germinal layer hemorrhage (GLH) or subependymal cysts 3 (3.1%) intraventricular hemorrhage (>grade 2) 2 (2.0%) posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus and 2 (2.0%) periventricular hemorrhagic infarct. Gestational age (GA), 1-minute Apgar score, Clinical Risk Index for Babies-II (CRIB-II) score, and inotrope use, and GA, CRIB-II score, postnatal steroid administration, inotrope use, and abnormal white blood cell (WBC) count at admission were related to cystic PVL and noncystic PVL development, respectively (P<0.05). However, in logistic regression analysis, CRIB-II (odds ratio, 1.63, 295% confidence interval, 1.15-2.30 P=0.006) for cystic PVL, and GA (odds ratio 0.90, 95% confidence interval, 0.82-0.99 P=0.036) for noncystic PVL were only significant independently. Conclusion : White matter abnormalities could be observed on MRI scans of the VLBW infant brains at term-equivalent age, and CRIB-II and GA were only independently significant for cystic and noncystic PVL development, respectively.

EXPRESSION OF PROTEIN KINASE C ISOFORMS IN CHEMICAL CARCINOGEN-INDUCED NEOPLASTIC TRANSFORMATION OF HUMAN EPITHELIAL CELLS (화학적 발암화에 따른 Protein Kinase C의 발현 변화)

  • Byeon, Ki-Jeong;Hong, Lak-Won;Kim, Chin-Soo
    • Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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    • v.23 no.4
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    • pp.295-305
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    • 2001
  • Protein kinase C (PKC) is known to play a pivotal role in neoplastic transformation cells and its high expression is often found in a variety of types of tumors including oral cancer. While PKC is associated with the altered signal transduction pathway of the tumor cells, it is still unclear which isoform is involved in the carcinogenesis process. Since the cellular distributions and the roles of PKC are isoform-specific, it is very important to identify the specific target molecules to improve our understanding of the carcinogenesis processes. Thus, the present study attempted to perform chemical carcinogen-induced neoplastic transformation of human epithelial cells and analyze the specific isoform of PKCs involved in the cellular transformation. The study analyzed overall PKC responses upon MNNG(N-Methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitroso guanidine) exposure with [$^3H$] PDBu binding assay. PKC translocation was observed at high doses of MNNG treatment in the presence of extracellular calcium. Such effects were not observed in the absence of extracellular calcium. Translocational effects with exposure of MNNG was further enhanced in the presence of hydrocortisone. The result suggests that the type of PKC involved may be $Ca^{2+}$-dependent classical isoform and steroid hormone enhances PKC activation. Among cPKC isoforms examined, only $PKC-{\alpha}$ and r showed significant translocation of protein levels from cytosolic fraction to membrane fraction, as analyzed by immunoblot. $PKC-{\varepsilon}$ in nPKC class showed an inch·eased translocation, but other forms in this class did not show the effect. None of isoforms in aPKC class was affected by MNNG treatment. The study demonstrated that there was a certain specificity in the patterns of isoform induction follwong chemical carcinogen exposure and helped identify all the types of PKC isoforms expressed in human epithelial cells. It was revealed that PKC isoforms were activated in an early resonse to chemical carcinogen, suggesting that PKC be associated with carcinogenesis process from an early stage in this particular cell system. The study will contribute to improving our understanding of chemical-induced carcinogenesis in human cells and may provide a scientific basis to introduce the specific PKC inhibitors as an anticancer drug of epithelial cell-origin cancers including oral cancer.

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Ultrastructure of Germ Cells, Cyst Epithelial Cells and Interstitial Cells during Spermatogenesis of the Stone Flounder, Kareius bicoloratus (돌가자미 Kareius bicoloratus의 정자형성과정 중 생식세포, Cyst 상피세포 및 간질세포의 미세구조)

  • Jun, Je-Cheon;Chung, Ee-Yung;Yang, Young Chul
    • Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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    • v.18 no.4
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    • pp.311-318
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    • 2006
  • Ultrastructure of germ cells, the cyst epithelial cells and interstitial cells during spermatogenesis of the stone flounder, Kareius bicoloratus (Pleuronectidae) sampled on the west coast of Korea were investigated by electron microscopic observations. In the primary spermatocyte, the synaptonemal complexes appear in the zygotene stage of the prophase during maturation division. In the growing testis, especially, the interstitial cells (Leydig cells) appear near the primary, secondary spermatocytes and spermatids. Well-developed interstitial cells (steroid hormone secreting cells) which are located in the interlobular space in growing testis have three morphological characteristics of a vesicular nucleus, mitochondria with tubular cristae and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. During spermatogenesis, the primary and secondary spermatocytes attach to the cyst epithelial cell (Sertoli cell) having an elongated ovoid or triangular nucleus and several mitochondria in the cytoplasm. In the growing testis, lipid droplets, the mitochondrial rosettes and glycogen particles appear in the cytoplasm of the cyst epithelial cells near the secondary spermatocytes and spermatids. Particularly, the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, little lipid droplets and the large amount of glycogen particles are present in the cytoplasm of the cyst epithelial cell in the late growing testis. In the late stage of spermiogenesis, the proximal centriole is joined to the nuclear envelope, the distal centriole forms the basal body of the flagellum and gives rise to the axial filament of the flagellum. No acrosome of the sperm is formed as seen in other teleost fish. The head of the spermatozoon is approximately $3{\mu}m$ in length and its tail is about $30{\mu}m$ in length. The axoneme of the tail flagellum of the spermatozoon consists of nine outer doublet microtubules at the periphery and two centrial singlet microtubules at the center. The spermatozoon of this species has two axonemal lateral fins. Especially, the cyst epithelial cells which located near groups of gametes in the various stages, show three functions: nutrition, phagocytosis and steroidogenesis. Especially, the nuclei of cyst epithelial cells in the recovery stage of the testicular developmental stages appear to be irregular in shape after spermiation. Of three functions of the cyst epithelial cell, several characteristics of phagocytosis are showed in the cytoplasm of the cyst epithelial cells in the recovery stage of the testicular developmental stages. At this stage, therefore, it is assumed that the cyst epithelial cells are involved in degeneration and resorption of undischarged germ cells after spermiation.

Clinical Course of Probable Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (임상적으로 진단된 특발성 폐섬유화증의 임상경과)

  • Kyung, Sun Young;Park, Cheul Hee;Lim, Young-Hee;An, Chang Hyeok;Lee, Sang Pyo;Park, Jeong Woong;Jeon, Kyeongman;Lee, Byoung-Hoon;Chung, Man Pyo;Jeong, Sung Hwan
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.59 no.1
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    • pp.77-85
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    • 2005
  • Background : According to the 2002 consensus report of the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) was classified as biopsy proven or probable IPF. Probable IPF is defined as those with distinctive features that allow for a confident diagnosis of IPF/usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) within an appropriate clinical setting. The determination of the clinical course of probable IPF, as diagnosed by the ATS/ERS criteria, was studied. Methods : Between March 1995 and August 2002, 36 patients with probable IPF, from two tertiary referral hospitals, were enrolled in this study. The clinical characteristics, prognostic factors and treatment efficacy of these patients were retrospectively evaluated. Results : The mean age of the subjects was $65{\pm}6$ years. The one and 3 year survival rates were 82.4 and 50.3%, respectively, and a median survival period of 42.0 months. The total cell count of bronchoalveolar lavage was higher in the death than the survival group (p<0.05). No survival benefits were found in the cytoxan and steroid treatment groups compared with other treatment groups. Conclusion : These results suggest that the clinical course of probable IPF may be similar to that of biopsy-proven UIP. However, atypical patients must undergo an open lung biopsy for confirmation of the diagnosis.

Roles of Cyclic AMP and Protein Kinase C in the Oocyte Maturation and Ovulation in Crucian Carp, Carusius auratus (붕어 난모세포의 성숙과 배란 과정에서 cyclic AMP와 protein kinase C의 역할)

  • Lee Won-Kyo;Yang Seok-Woo;Hwang Sae-Won
    • Journal of Aquaculture
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    • v.8 no.3
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    • pp.171-181
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    • 1995
  • Gonadosomatic index (GSI) of the crucian carp (Carassius auratus) was investigated to clarify annual reproductive cycle from February in 1992 to October in 1994. The values of GSI were high with individual variation from April to July which period was coincided with the breeding season of fish. The GSI was very low in August and September, when follicular atresia developed in the ovaries. GSI value began to increase in October and reached a peak around the following March, which indicated that ovarian follicles may grow during this period. Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG 10 IU), $17\alpha$, 20\beta-dihydroxyprogesterone\;(1-100{\mu}g/ml)$ and phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (TPA, protein kinase C activator, 0.1-10${\mu}M$) induced germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), but $4\alpha-phorbol$ 12, 13- didicanoate ($4\alpha-PDD,\;phorbol\; ester\;analogue,\;25{\mu}M$) did not induce germinal vesicle breakdown in the follicular oocytes. Prostaglandin $F_{2\alpha}$ $(0.1-10 {\mu}g/ml)$ and TPA $(0.1-10 {\mu}M$ induced ovulation of the oocytes, but $4\alpha-PDD$ $(25{\mu}M)$ did not induce ovulation of the follicles. $17\alpha-hydroxyprogesterone$ production was examined from the isolated follicles to investigate the steroid production ability in the crucian carp ovaries. HCG (1 lU, 10 lU) and forskolin (adenylate cyclase activator, 0.1-10 ${\mu}M$) stimulated $17\alpha-hydroxyprogesterone$ production. The time course of HCG (10 lU) and forskolin $(10\;{\mu}M)$ stimulated $17\alpha-hydroxyprogesterone$ production within 3 hours, the elevated levels were maintained during the rest of the culture period. The data indicates that cyclic AMP and protein kinase C may play important roles in the oocyte maturation and ovulation in crucian carp.

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Clinical Features of Dermatomyositis/Polymyositis(DM/PM) with Lung Involvement (폐를 침범한 피부근염/다발성근염의 임상적 양상)

  • Park, Gun-Min;Choi, Chang-Min;Um, Sang-Won;Hwang, Yong-Il;Yim, Jae-Joon;Lee, Jae-Ho;Yoo, Chul-Gyu;Lee, Choon-Taek;Chung, Hee-Soon;Song, Young-Wook;Kim, Young-Whan;Han, Sung-Koo;Shim, Young-Soo
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.51 no.4
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    • pp.354-363
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    • 2001
  • Background : Although lung involvement has been reported in 5 to 46% of dermatomyositis/polymyositis(DM/PM) patients, reports of the condition in Korea are rare. This study evaluated the clinical features of lung involvement in DM/PM patients. Methods : The medical records, laboratory results and radiologic findings of 79 DM/pM patients, who attended the Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) between 1989 and 1999, were reviewed retrospectively. Results : A total 79 patients of whom 24 patients(33%) showed lung involvement, were enrolled in this study. More patients with lung involvement were female(F:M=11:1), and older compared with those without lung involvement. Patients with lung involvement presented with dyspnea(79%), coughing(67%), an elevated ESR, and CK/LD. Anti-Jo 1 antibody test was positive in 30%, which is significantly higher in patients with lung involvement. A simple chest X-ray of the patients with lung involvement exhibited reticular opacity(50%), reticulonodular opacity(30%), patchy opacity(29%), nodular opacity(13%) and linear opacity(4%). HRCT(n=24) showed ground glass opacity(75%), linear or septal thickening(50%), patchy consolidation(42%), honey-combing(33%) and nodular opacity(17%). The pulmonary function test showed a restrictive ventilatory pattern(77%) and a lower diffusing capacity(62%). The patients were followed up during a mean duration of $30{\pm}28$ months. They were treated with steroid only(50%) or a combination of steroids and cytotoxic agents(46%). Muscle symptoms were improved in 89% with treatment, but an improvement in the respiratory symptoms or in the pulmonary function test was rare. Patients with lung involvement had a higher mortality rate(21%) than those without lung involvement(10%) during the follow-up periods. Conclusion : DM/PM patients with lung involvement were mostly female, older and had a higher positive rate Anti-Jo 1 antibodies, but there was no significant difference in prognosis.

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A Clinical Study of Children Who Showed Benign Hemophagocytic Histiocytes in Bone Marrow Examination (골수 검사상 양성 혈구 탐식 조직구가 나타난 소아의 임상적 고찰)

  • Park, Jin A;Park, Joo Young;Park, Ji Min;Park, Seat Byoul;Kim, Heung Sik;Jeon, Dong Seok
    • Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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    • v.45 no.8
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    • pp.1007-1015
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    • 2002
  • Purpose : The aim of this study is to find a method to diagnose and treat children who showed benign hemophagocytic histiocytes in bone marrow examination. Methods : We analyzed the clinical data of thirty patients retrospectively who showed benign hemophagocytic histiocytes in bone marrow examination from January 1995 to November 2001 at Keimyung University Dong-san Hospital. Bone marrow histiocytes were classified into a few, some, and many according to the number of histiocytes comparing with the white cells. Results : The age of thirty patients ranged from two months to 15 years. The median age was 5.6 years with male predominance(2.3 : 1). The most frequent clinical manifestation was fever; others were respiratory symptom, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy and skin rash(in order of frequency). Common laboratory findings were leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia and abnormal liver function test. Infection was present in 30 patients; causative organisms were documented in 15 patients, and bacterial infection was more common. Epstein Barr virus was the cause of infection in four patients. Bone marrow examination showed a few(20.0%), some(75.0%) and many(30.0%) hemophagocytic histiocytes. Combination immunochemotherapy including immunoglobulin, steroids and cyclosporine were helpful in 22 out of 30 patients. The mortality rate was high in young patients who showed some to many hemophagocytic histiocytes. Conclusion : Bone marrow examinations and early detection of histiocytes will be helpful in children who have fever, hepatosplenomegaly and abnormal liver function test. Immunochemotherapy were helpful and further investigation will be needed for the detection of the relationship between the bone marrow findings and prognosis.

Clinical Features of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Gastroenteropathy without Purpura before Diagnosis (진단 전에 자반이 동반되지 않았던 Henoch-Schönlein 자반 위장병증의 임상적 고찰)

  • Oh, Jae Min;Park, Jae Hong
    • Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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    • v.7 no.1
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    • pp.54-60
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    • 2004
  • Purpose: Henoch-$Sch{\ddot{o}}nlein$ purpura (HSP) is a small-vessel vasculitic disease that most often affects the skin. Abdominal symptoms precede the typical purpuric rash of HSP in 14~36%. It is a challenge to diagnose HSP in the absence of a rash, because there are no biologic tests that can identify HSP with certainty, so we tried to find out the characteristic features of HSP gastroenteropathy without purpura before diagnosis. Methods: This study included 82 children with HSP who had been admitted or visited outward of the Department of Pediatrics, Pusan National University Hospital from 1995 to 2000. The cases that the onset of purpura preceded or coincided that of abdominal pain were defined as purpura-positive group. The cases that the onset of abdominal pain preceded purpura more than 1 week and purpura was not presented till diagnosed as HSP gastroenteropathy were defined as purpura-negative group. We compared and analyzed the clinical features of the two groups by reviewing the medical records retrospectively. To ensure the diagnosis of HSP gastroenteropathy, we conducted upper GI series, abdominal ultrasonogram, abdominal CT, endoscopy and/or skin biopsy. Results: The number of cases of purpura-positive group and purpura-negative group were 72 and 10, respectively. There is no difference between two groups in the incidence of clinical symptoms and laboratory findings. Children with HSP gastroenteropathy had characteristic erosive or ulcerative lesions in the stomach or duodenum on esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or mural thickening of the small bowel on abdominal ultrasonogram, CT or upper GI series. Skin biopsy revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis in 3 of them, although biopsy specimen was taken from any areas of normal- appearing skin. In purpura-negative group, 9 patients improved by steroid therapy. Conclusion: In purpura-negative group, there is no diagnostic feature on the laboratory findings and clinical features. Therefore, to diagnose HSP gastroenteropathy in patients with abdominal pain in the absence of the characteristic rash, careful observation of clinical features and laboratory data, and prompt application of available diagnostic tools such as gastrointestinal endoscopy, radiologic study and skin biopsy are recommended. Early use of corticosteroid may reduce the suffering in these patients.

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An Empirical Study on the Oriental Herbal Cosmetics Purchase Behaviors in Women in the Metropolitan Area (한방 화장품 구매행동에 관한 실증적 연구 - 수도권 거주 여성 소비자를 중심으로 -)

  • 엄정녀;김주덕
    • Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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    • v.30 no.1
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    • pp.93-102
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    • 2004
  • Recently, the golden age of herbal cosmetics has come. Along with active introduction of oriental herbal lines, diversification of distribution channels is designated as a major feature. In this background, the present study attempts to consider the domestic market for oriental herbal cosmetics, which is growing rapidly with the introduction of various new brands, and examine the perceptions of this new type of cosmetics by women consumers based on their purchase behaviors, and search for the ways for its promotion and development. A survey was conducted to adult women consumers aged 19∼60 residing in Seoul or Gyeonggi-do. Out of a total of 430 surveys distributed, 350 answer sheets were used for the analysis Among the results, the first-hand information on the herbal cosmetics market, their usage, and the consumer needs obtained in the present study will serve as a fundamental data for planning the marketing strategies for the oriental herbal cosmetics.

Writing and Sijo in new media culture age (새로운 매체문화시대의 글쓰기와 시조)

  • Jung Ki-chul
    • Sijohaknonchong
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    • v.22
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    • pp.27-55
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    • 2005
  • Visual media are taken the highest position in modem society, Modern poems also have been changed into visual poems, This aspect is the result of considering only individual talents ignoring traditions. Now, new Sigo should be concentrated on the mythological and historical voice from true nature and the body of human being, That is. ut should be converted into an ecological world view resolutely and restored a form of expression granted specific characteristics of our language. Advantages the computer media have brought. that is. equality freedom. human rights. harmony. pro-environmental value. can be maximized by positively accepting an ecological world view of Sijo which had included daily lives and spirits of the nation. Moreover. these all changes of new Sijo have to be established and recreated in the traditional expressions of Sijo. Aesthetic value of Sijo should be found in the expression forms such as phonetic harmony, rules of versification, rhythm, and etc. Then, we can overcome modern society's pathological phenomena such as severance, separation, dissolution, estrangement, psychiatric syndrome and etc. which visual media superiority brought. At the same time. it will cure ills of modern poems, Sijo and writing epochally and can establish true happiness and development.

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