• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.33.1-33.19
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• 2021

IL-1β plays critical roles in the priming and effector phases of immune responses such as the differentiation, commitment, and memory formation of T cells. In this context, several reports have suggested that the IL-1β signal is crucial for CTL-mediated immune responses to viral infections and tumors. However, little is known regarding whether IL-1β acts directly on CD8⁺ T cells and what the molecular mechanisms underlying expression of IL-1 receptors (IL-1Rs) on CD8⁺ T cells and features of IL-1R⁺ CD8⁺ T cells are. Here, we provide evidence that the expression of IL-1R type I (IL-1RI), the functional receptor of IL-1β, is preferentially induced by IL-21 on TCR-stimulated CD8⁺ T cells. Further, IL-1β enhances the effector function of CD8⁺ T cells expressing IL-21-induced IL-1RI by increasing cytokine production and release of cytotoxic granules containing granzyme B. The IL-21-IL-1RI-IL-1β axis is involved in an augmented effector function through regulation of transcription factors BATF, Blimp-1, and IRF4. Moreover, this axis confers a unique effector function to CD8⁺ T cells compared to conventional type 1 cytotoxic T cells differentiated with IL-12. Chemical inhibitor and immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that IL-21 induces a unique pattern of STAT activation with the formation of both STAT1:STAT3 and STAT3:STAT5 heterodimers, which are critical for the induction of IL-1RI on TCR-stimulated CD8⁺ T cells. Taken together, we propose that induction of a novel subset of IL-1RI-expressing CD8⁺ T cells by IL-21 may be beneficial to the protective immune response against viral infections and is therefore important to consider for vaccine design.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.112-117
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• 2008

Purpose: Double-bundle reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) has the advantage of restoring the isometry and original function of ACL. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical results following double-bundle reconstruction of ACL using autogenous hamstring grafts through an accessory anteromedial portal. Materials and Methods: From January 2005 to July 2006, sixty patients(52 males, 8 females) underwent double-bundle ACL reconstruction using autogenous hamstring tendons..The mean age was 31.7 years($20{\sim}51$ years). The mean follow up period was 13.4 months($12{\sim}16$ months). We made a horizontal-oblique skin incision just medial to tibial tuberosity and harvested semitendinosus and gracilis tendon. Tibial tunnel for posterolateral bundle was made near its anatomical position. By modifying an anatomic reconstruction of ACL by Yasuda et al., we made a femoral tunnel for posterolateral bundle through accessory anteromedial portal. Tunnels for anteromedial bundle were made with conventional method. We reconstructed anteromedial bundle with semitendinosus tendon and posterolateral bundle with gracilis tendon. Clinical results at last follow up were evaluated by range of motion, extent of anterior displacement(KT-1000 arthrometer), pivot-shift test. Functional evaluation of clinical outcomes were evaluated by Lysholm score and modified Feagin Scoring System. Results: There was no limitation of motion of knee joint at last follow up. Mean side to side difference of anterior displacement of tibia by KT-1000 arthrometer was improved from 8.4 mm preoperatively to 1.7 mm postoperatively(p<0.05). Average Lysholm score was improved from 64.1 preoperatively to 92.2 postoperatively(p<0.05). In modified Feagin Scoring System, 90% of cases were rated as good or excellent. Conclusion: Double-bundle reconstruction of ACL using autogenous hamstring grafts through accessory anteromedial portal results in good clinical outcomes.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.33-41
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• 2012

For applying the quality assurance (QA) of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) introduced in Eulji Hospital, we classify it into three different QA steps, treatment planning QA, pretreatment delivering QA, and treatment verifying QA. These steps are based on the existing intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) QA that is currently used in our hospital. In each QA step, the evaluated items that are from QA program are configured and documented. In this study, QA program is not only applied to actual patient treatment, but also evaluated to establish a reference of clinical acceptance in pretreatment delivering QA. As a result, the confidence limits (CLs) in the measurements for the high-dose and low-dose regions are similar to the conventional IMRT level, and the clinical acceptance references in our hospital are determined to be 3 to 5% for the high-dose and the low-dose regions, respectively. Due to the characteristics of VMAT, evaluation of the intensity map was carried out using an ArcCheck device that was able to measure the intensity map in all directions, $360^{\circ}$. With a couple of dosimetric devices, the gamma index was evaluated and analyzed. The results were similar to the result of individual intensity maps in IMRT. Mapcheck, which is a 2-dimensional (2D) array device, was used to display the isodose distributions and gave very excellent local CL results. Thus, in our hospital, the acceptance references used in practical clinical application for the intensity maps of $360^{\circ}$ directions and the coronal isodose distributions were determined to be 93% and 95%, respectively. To reduce arbitrary uncertainties and system errors, we had to evaluate the local CLs by using a phantom and to cooperate with multiple organizations to participate in this evaluation. In addition, we had to evaluate the local CLs by dividing them into different sections about the patient treatment points in practical clinics.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.345-352
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• 2001

Purpose : To evaluate the treatment results and prognostic factors after radiotherapy in stage IIB uterine cervix cancer. Materials and methods : We retrospectively analyzed the records of 90 patients with stage IIB uterine cervix cancer who received radiotherapy between 9/94 and 12/99. Age was ranged from 28 to 79 years (median 57). Tumor size was $\geq4\;cm$ in 64 patients. Preteatment SCC level was measured in 75 patients. Twenty nine patients received conventional radiotherapy (QD) and the others received modified hyper-fractionated radiotherapy (BID). Only 7 patients in BID had tumor size <4 cm. All patients received high dose rate brachytherapy $(4\;Gy\times7\;or\;5\;Gy\times6)$. No Patient received concurrent chemotherapy during radiotherapy. Follow up period was ranging from 9 to 76 months (median 38). Results : The 5-year overall and disease free survival rates were $73.4\%\;and\;71.6\%$, respectively. Local recurrences occurred in $10\%$ of patients, and distant metastasis in $18.9\%$. There was a significant correlation between OS/DFS and tumor size $(<4cm;\;OS\;95.2\%,\;DFS\;91.4\%,\;\geq4cm;\;OS\;63.4\%,\;DFS\;63.4\%)$. Pretreatment SCC level was one of prognostic factors only in univariate analysis. Conclusion : With modified hyperfractionated radiotherapy, there was very low local recurrence rate $(6.6\%)$ and high 5-year overall and disease free survival rate $(75.4\%\;and\;70.5\%)$, which is comparable to results after concurrent chemoradiotherapy in bulky, locally advanced stage IIB uterine cervix cancer.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.11
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• pp.779-784
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• 2002

Recently, the number of coronary artery bypass surgery(CABG) is increasing according to the increasing incidence of coronary artery disease. However, CABG is not a definite corrective surgery; therefore, in some patients, redo-CABG may be required. We retrospectively reviewed our redo-CABG experiences to help future redo-CABG. Material and Method: From January 1991 to April 2001, 14 cases of redo-CABG were performed in Yonsei Cardiovascular Center(M:F＝12:2) and mean age was 61,7 $\pm$ 7.1(47-72) years. Mean time from 1st. CABG to redo-CABG was 121.9 $\pm$ 50.5(6.1-179.6) months. Thirteen cases were conventional on-pump CABG and one case was off-pump CABG. In two patients, mitral valve re-replacement and mitral valve repair were performed each. All redo-CABG were performed through mid-sternotomy. During redo-CABG, left internal mammary artery and saphenous vein grafts were used in 6 patients, left internal mammary artery and left radial artery grafts were used in 2 patients, left internal mammary artery and gastroepiploic artery were used in one patient and only greater saphenous veins were used in 5 cases(In one case, cephalic vein was also used). The number of mean distal anastomosis was 2.1 $\pm$ 0.9(1-4). Result: There were no operative death and no perioperative myocardial infarctions and cerebrovascular accidents or other heart related complications. Mean follow up duration was 40.1 $\pm$ 38.6(1.1-118.5) months. During follow up period, angina was re-developed in one patient 13 months after operation. Two patients died of end-stage renal failure 14.8 months and 116.3 months after redo-CABG, respectively. During follow up period, coronary angiography was performed in 3 patients, and all grafts were patent. At last follow up, mean Canadian class was 1.3. Kaplan-Meier survival at 9 years was 90.0 $\pm$ 9.5% and event free survival at 9 years was 71.4 $\pm$ 6.9%. Conclusion: After redo-CABG, all patients improved their angina symptom and daily activity. And long-term survival after redo-CABG was excellent. Therefore, if patients have indications for redo-CABG, thenredo-CABG must be strongly recommended and performed.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.70-76
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• 2005

For clinical implementation of Enhanced Dynamic Wedge (EDW), it is necessary to adequately analyze and commission its dosimetric properties in comparison to common physical metal wedge (MTW). This study was implemented with the essential measurements of parameters for clinical application, such as percentage depth dose, peripheral dose, surface dose, effective wedge factor, and wedge profile. In addition, through the comparison study of EDW with open and MTW, the analysis was performed to characterize the EDW. We also compared EDW dose profiles of measured values using chamber array 24 (CA24) with calculated values using radiation treatment planning system. PDDs of EDW showed good agreements between $0.2\~0.5\%$ of open beam, but $2\%$ differences with MTW. In the result of the measurements of peripheral dose, it was shown that MTW was about $1\%$ higher than open field and EDW. The surface doses of $60^{\circ}$ MTW showed 10% lower than the others. We found that effective wedge factor of EDW had linear relationships according to Y jaw sizes and was independent of X jaw sizes and was independent of X jaw sizes and asymmetric Y jaw opening. In comparison with measured values and calculate values from Golden-STT based radiation treatment planning system (RTP system), it showed very good agreement within difference of $1\%$. It could be concluded that EDW is a very reliable and useful tool as a beam modification substitute for conventional MTW.

• The Journal of the Society of Korean Medicine Diagnostics
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.42-62
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• 2008

Objectives: It is well known that some parameters of the photoplethysmogram (PPG) acquired by time domain contour analysis can be used as markers of vascular aging. But the previous studies that have been performed for frequency domain analysis of the PPG to date have provided only restrictive and fragmentary information. The aim of the present investigation was to determine whether the harmonics extracted from the PPG using a fast Fourier transformation could be used as an index of vascular aging. Methods: The PPG was measured in 600 recruited subjects for 30 second durations, To grasp the gross age-related change of the PPG waveform, we grouped subjects according to gender and age and averaged the PPG signal of one pulse cycle. To calculate the conventional indices of vascular aging, we selected the 5-6 cycles of pulse that the baseline was relatively stable and then acquired the coordinates of the inflection points. For the frequency domain analysis we performed a power spectral analysis on the PPG signals for 30 seconds using a fast Fourier transformation and dissociated the harmonic components from the PPG signals. Results: A final number of 390 subjects (174 males and 216 females) were included in the statistical analysis. The normalized power of the harmonics decreased with age and on a logarithmic scale reduction of the normalized power in the third (r=-0.492, P<0.0001), fourth (r=-0.621, P<0.0001) and fifth harmonic (r=-0.487, P<0.0001) was prominent. From a multiple linear regression analysis, Stiffness index, reflection index and corrected up-stroke time influenced the normalized power of the harmonics on a logarithmic scale. Conclusions: The normalized harmonic power decreased with age in healthy subjects and may be less error prone due to the essential attributes of frequency domain analysis. Therefore, we expect that the normalized harmonic power density can be useful as a vascular aging marker.

• Weed & Turfgrass Science
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.242-247
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• 2013

Currently, methods for controlling weeds in organically produced crops have not been as effective as conventional methods. This research was carried out to determine the herbicidal effects of leaf, stem, fruit, root extracts of Trichosanthes kirilowii. The extraction methods used were water, boiling water and ethanol. The characteristics of potential herbicidal components among extraction methods were investigated by using the following solvent fractions: hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water. Generally, water extracts provided the best on inhibition of germination rate, plant height, and root length in cucumber and barley. Specifically, extractions made from fruit parts of T. kirilowii provided the greatest inhibition effect on plant growth in cucumber and barely. Inhibition of germination rate, plant height, and root length in cucumber and barley in solvent fractions was the best in water fractions, but there were no significant differences among the other fractions. Digitaria siliaris and Solanum nigrum were controlled 80-100% by 5% extractions of water fraction. However, there were no herbicidal effects from foliar treatment in cucumber, barley, black nightshade, and henry crabgrass by 5% extractions of the water fraction. These results show that extractions of T. kirilowii can be used for controlling some weeds in organically produced crops.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.40 no.3 s.272
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• pp.209-214
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• 2007

Background: Failed percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is occasionally required for emergency coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of patients receiving emergency CABG after failed PTCA. Material and Method: Between May 1988 and May 2005, 5712 patients underwent PTCA, where 84 (1.4%) failed. 27 patients underwent emergency CABG after failed PTCA. The mean age was $63.7{\pm}8.9\;(46{\sim}80)$ years, with 14 male patients (51.9%). Result: All patients underwent emergent surgical revascularization within 6 hours. 22 patients underwent conventional CABG and 5 underwent off-pump CABG. The causes of PTCA failure were coronary obstruction due to new thrombi formation during the procedure (n=4), coronary dissection (n=17), coronary artery rupture (n=3) and 3 due to other causes. The rate of in-hospital operative mortality after emergent operation was 18.5% (5/27). A univariate analysis revealed that patients who died more often had left anterior descending artery disease, a preprocedural shock status, postoperative use of multiple isotropics and postoperative use of intra-aortic balloon pump. The mean follow up duration was $53.6{\pm}63.4$ months. Conclusion: Although PTCA is known to be life saving, there is still a high risk for morbidity and mortality following emergency CABG after failed PTCA, despite the advancement in PTCA techniques. This result will help identify and more effectively treat patients selected for PTCA when emergency CABG is required.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.67-80
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• 2002

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of deer antler extract on the regeneration of peripheral nerves. Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing about 300 gm were fed deer antler extract for 1, 2, and 3 weeks per oral (1.5 ml/100 gm B.W.), respectively, once a day and transected both sides of sciatic nerve of each leg. After keeping for 6 hours, sciatic nerves taken from proximal part of transected region were treated with conventional transmission electron microscopical method and then observed with electron microscope. The results obtained were summarized as follows; 1. Sciatic nerves of normal control group were not showing any sprouts and electron dense axolemmal projections were frequently observed. 2. Sciatic nerves of saline treated groups were showing axonal sprouts at the nodes of Ranvier. The length of them was usually short, and numerous vesicles, vacuoles and organelles including neurofilament were contained. The number of nodes of Ranvier containing sprouts from 100 longitudinal sectioned nerve fibers was 29 (29%) in 1 week treated group, 32 (32%) in 2 weeks treated group, and 30 (30%) in 3 weeks treated group, respectively. 3. Sciatic nerves of deer antler treated groups were showing axonal sprouts at the node of Ranvier as well. Although most of the sprouts were short, some sprouts of 2 weeks and 3 weeks treated groups were quite long. Sprouts usually contained numerous vesicles, vacuoles and cell organelles such as neurofilaments and mitochondria. The number of nodes of Ranvier containing sprouts from 100 longitudinal sectioned nerve fibers was 38 (38%) in 1 week treated group, 46 (46%) in 2 weeks treated group, and 48 (48%) in 3 weeks treated group respectively. The results described above explain pretreatment of deer antler extract improves the sprout formation of transected sciatic nerves, and then it suggests deer antler may be effective for the regeneration of peripheral nerves.