• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.5
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• pp.471-477
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• 2016

Objectives : The correction of clinical and radiologic abnormalities in patients with symptomatic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is the current mainstay of treatment. This study aimed to identify radiographic predictors of severity of myelopathy in patients with symptomatic OPLL. Methods : Fifty patients with symptomatic cervical OPLL were enrolled. Based on Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, patients were divided into either the mild myelopathy (n=31) or severe myelopathy (n=19) group. All subjects underwent preoperative plain cervical roentgenogram, computed tomography (CT), and MR imaging (MRI). Radiological parameters (C2-7 sagittal vertical axis, SVA; C2-7 Cobb angle; C2-7 range of motion, ROM; OPLL occupying ratio; and compression angle) were compared. Compression angle of OPLL was defined as the angle between the cranial and caudal surfaces of OPLL at the maximum level of cord compression Results : The occupying ratio of the spinal canal, C2-7 Cobb angle, C2-7 SVA, types of OPLL, and C2-7 ROM of the cervical spine were not statistically different between the two groups. However, the OPLL compression angle was significantly greater (p=0.003) in the severe myelopathy group than in the mild myelopathy group and was inversely correlated with JOA score (r=-0.533, p<0.01). Furthermore, multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that the compression angle (B=-0.069, p<0.001) was significantly associated with JOA scores (R=0.647, p<0.005). Conclusion : Higher compression angles of OPLL have deleterious effects on the spinal cord and decrease preoperative JOA scores.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.1592-1597
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• 2001

Sixteen pigs from 2 distinct genetic lines (LGAH and VFIL) obtained after eight generations of divergent selection for high (H) and low (L) lean tissue growth rate with ad-libitum feeding (LGA) and voluntary feed intake (VF1), respectively, were used in this study. The objectives of this investigation were to establish appropriate working conditions for the postheparin plasma lipoprotein lipase (LPL) assay and to study relationships between fat deposition and plasma lipids, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) lipids, VLDL-subfractions and postheparin plasma LPL activity in growing pigs. Four preliminary experiments were performed to determine the appropriate working conditions for the postheparin plasma LPL assays. Postheparin plasma preincubated with SDS (20-50 mM) at $26^{\circ}C$ for 45 minutes inhibited hepatic lipase activity. A total of $2{\mu}l$ VLDL/assay produced maximum stimulation of LPL activity. Postheparin plasma protein and increasing incubation time contributed an optimum response. LGAH pigs had a significantly higher proportion subtraction 2 than VFIL pigs. No differences were observed in postheparin plasma LPL activity and backfat thickness for two lines of pigs. There were positive correlations between backfat thickness and proportion of subtractions 2 and postheparin plasma LPL activity but the results were not statistically significant. Backfat thickness was not statistically correlated with proportion of subtraction 2 and postheparin plasma LPL activity in a multiple regression analysis. It is believed that the apolipoprotein E, which is present in higher quantities in VLDL-subfraction 2 plays an important role for clearing VLDL triacylglycerol into adipose tissue. LPL activity of pigs can be measured by using postheparin plasma technique. If the relationships of backfat thickness and VLDL-subfraction 2 and postheparin plasma LPL activity can be established, it suggests that these parameters could be used as indicators in selection programmes. Further experiments need to be conducted by using larger sample size and different breed of pigs with greater differences in backfat thicknesses to confirm these trends.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.24
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• pp.10591-10596
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• 2015

Background: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) has been reported to be associated with the development of various cancers. However, the role of TRAF6 in lung cancer remains unclear. Objective: To explore the expression and clinicopathological significance of TRAF6 protein in lung cancer tissues. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and sixty-five lung cancer samples and thirty normal lung tissues were constructed into 3 microarrays. The expression of TRAF6 protein was determined using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Furthermore, correlations between the expression of TRAF6 and clinicopathological parameters were investigated. Results: The expression of TRAF6 in total lung cancer tissues (365 cases), as well as in small cell lung cancer (SCLC, 26 cases) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC, 339 cases) was significantly higher compared with that in normal lung tissues. The ROC curve showed that the area under curve of TRAF6 was 0.663 (95%CI 0.570~0.756) for lung cancer. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of TRAF6 were 52.6% and 80%, respectively. In addition, the expression of TRAF6 was correlated with clinical TNM stage, tumor size and lymph node metastasis in all lung cancers. Consistent correlations were also observed for NSCLCs. Conclusions: TRAF6 might be an oncogene and the expression of TRAF6 protein is related to the progression of lung cancer. Thus, TRAF6 might become a target for diagnosis and gene therapy for lung cancer patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.1003-1007
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• 2013

Objective: This work aimed to investigate the correlations of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and their subtypes M1 and M2 with liver metastasis of colorectal cancer, and provide useful references for seeking predictors of liver metastasis and studying mechanisms. Methods: 120 patients with colorectal cancer from 2000 to 2009 were divided into low, middle and high liver metastasis groups (group A, B and C, respectively). S-P immunohistochemical staining and microscopic observation were conducted to compare expression in CD68-positive cells (TAMs), CD80-positive cells (M1) and CD163-positive cells (M2) in three groups. Correlations of TAMs, M1, M2, and M2/M1 ratio with clinical and pathological parameters were analyzed. Results: With increase of liver metastatic ability, the number of TAMs decreased gradually, with no significant difference between any two of the three groups (P > 0.05), while the numbers of M1 and M2 were significantly decreased and increased, respectively, with significant difference between any two of three groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In addition, the M2/M1 ratio increased with increase of liver metastatic ability (P < 0.01). There was no statistical significance of correlation of TAMs with each clinical and pathological parameter. M1 was negatively related with lymphatic metastasis and liver metastatic ability. M2 was positively correlated with preoperative CEA level, lymphatic metastasis, tumor differentiation degree and liver metastatic ability. The same was the case for the M2/M1 ratio. Conclusions: Effects of TAMs on liver metastasis of colorectal cancer do not depend on the total number of TAMs, but on the number and proportion of functional subtypes M1 and M2. M2 number and M2/M1 ratio are more accurate predictors for liver metastasis of colorectal cancer.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.529-538
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• 2006

The prevalence of chronic diseases have been rising in the developing countries because of their increased animal foods consumption and Western lifestyle. Lately, vegetarian diet that exclude animal products get public attention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status and dietary quality of vegetarians, and their consumption of vitamin K and was also assessed. Vegetarians including strict vegan and lacto-ovo-vegetarian consumed their diet at least over 6 months. Carnivores were gender and age matched with vegetarians and they consumed over 50% of protein and fat from animal sources. Current nutrient intakes and dietary quality were assessed using 3-day food records and intake of vitamin K was calculated from the data base of 'Provisional Table on the vitamin K contents of foods, USA'. Blood sample were collected and biochemical parameters and plasma phylloquinone concentrations were analyzed. Anthropometric data from vegetarian and carnivore were not significantly different. The intake of calories, protein, vitamin $B_2$, Ca and Zn of the vegetarians were remarkably lower than RDA for each nutrient. Moreover, index of nutritional quality and nutrient adequacy ratio of vegetarians were lower than those of carnivore. Vegetarian consumed less fat and the ratio of n-6/n-3 fatty acid was lower in vegetarian. The intake of essential amino acids in vegetarian was significantly lower than that of carnivore. The vitamin K consumption and plasma phylloquinone concentration of vegetarian were significantly higher than those of carnivore (p<0.05). The dietary vitamin K consumption was positively correlated with plasma phylloquinone levels in vegetarian (p<0.01).

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.6 no.5
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• pp.421-428
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• 2012

Several studies revealed that low calcium intake is related to high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension is high in Koreans along with their low dietary calcium consumption. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the status of calcium intake between the hypertension and normotension groups and to investigate the correlation between dietary calcium intake and blood pressure, blood lipid parameters, and blood/urine oxidative stress indices. A total of 166 adult subjects participated in this study and were assigned to one of two study groups: a hypertension group (n = 83) who had 140 mmHg or higher in systolic blood pressure (SBP) or 90 mmHg or higher in diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and an age- and sex-matched normotension group (n = 83, 120 mmHg or less SBP and 80 mmHg or less DBP). The hypertension group consumed 360.5 mg calcium per day, which was lower than that of the normotension group (429.9 mg) but not showing significant difference. In the hypertension group, DBP had a significant negative correlation with plant calcium (P < 0.01) after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and energy intake. In the normotension group, total calcium and animal calcium intake were significantly and positively correlated with serum triglycerides. No significant relationship was found between calcium intake and blood/urine oxidative stress indices in both groups. Overall, these data suggest reconsideration of food sources for calcium consumption in management of the blood pressure or blood lipid profiles in both hypertensive and normotensive subjects.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.6 no.5
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• pp.414-420
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• 2012

Forty guinea pigs were divided into four groups and fed 0.04% cholesterol based control diet, plus 0.05% simvastatin, and statin plus 0.1% CoQ10 or 10% Ardisia Japonica Blume (AJB) leave powder for 4 weeks. Plasma total cholesterol levels decreased significantly in all groups fed the statin-containing diet compared with that in guinea pigs fed the control diet (P < 0.01). Plasma and liver triglycerides decreased significantly in the statin plus CoQ10 group compared with those in the control (both P < 0.05). Maximum platelet aggregation was significantly higher in the statin plus CoQ10 group than that in the other groups (P < 0.05). Na-K ATPase activity increased in the statin group and decreased in the statin plus CoQ10 group (P < 0.01). Na-K co-transport and Na passive transport decreased significantly in the control group compared with those in the other groups (both P < 0.05). Intracellular Na was highest in the statin group and lowest in the statin plus CoQ10 group and was correlated with Na-K ATPase activity. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance production in platelet-rich plasma and liver tended to decrease in the statin plus CoQ10 group compared with those in the other groups. Plasma glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase increased significantly in the statin group compared with those in the control (P < 0.05). These result suggest that antioxidant rich AJB did not have positive effects on cardiovascular disease parameters. The statin plus CoQ10 seemed to decrease cholesterol more efficiently than that of statin alone.

• Water for future
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.97-109
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• 1994

Parameters for the Synthetic Unit Hydrograph(SUH) using SCS and v methods(including modified type) are derived by regression analysis of the Representative Unit Hydrograph(RUH) of 22 basins in Korea. These derived SUHs were compared with the RUHs and those of Snyder and HYMO given by the Korea Institute of Construction Technology (KICT) for selected 4 basins. In SCS method, when correlated with the lag time of SUHs based on the whole basin rather than on the riverwise basins the peak discharge(excluding Bocheng stream) is close to that of RUH. BUt the peak time given by riverwise basins agrees closer to the RUH than by the whole basins. The modified Nakayasu type SUH(excluding Wi stream) associated with lag time based on riverwise basins gives better agreements to the RUH than that of Nakayasu method. And the modified Nakayasu type SUH gives much better agreement to the RUH than that of Nakayasu method for the case of both whole and riverwise basins.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.520-529
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• 2017

Viscosity data were measured at 298.15 K and 308.15 K for formamide + 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol or 2-methyl-2-propanol mixtures. For an equimolar mixture, deviation in viscosity follows the sequence: 2-methyl-2-propanol >2-methyl-1-propanol>1-butanol>2-propanol>1-propanol. The viscosity data were further analyzed in terms of graph theory. Free energy of activation was also calculated from experimental viscosity data along with previously reported excess volume data. The deviation in viscosity and free energy of activation were fitted to Redlich-Kister polynomial equation. The viscosity data were also correlated by correlations like Grunberg-Nissan, Tamura-Kurata, HindMcLaughlin-Ubbelohde, and Katti-Chaudhari relation. Various adjustable parameters, $G_{12}$, $T_{12}$, $H_{12}$, and $W_{vis}/RT$, of various correlations were used to predict viscosity deviation of binary mixtures. Positive value of $G_{12}$ indicates strong interaction in the studied systems. Grunberg-Nissan relation has lowest deviation among the four correlations for formamide + 1-propanol or 2-propanol mixtures; and for mixtures of formamide with 1-butanol or 2-methyl-1-propanol, TamuraKurata has lowest deviation. Grunberg-Nissan gives lowest deviation for formamide + 2-methyl-2-propanol mixtures.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.83-99
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• 2011

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Socheongryong-tang (SCRT) on elastase-induced lung injury. Materials and Methods: The extract of SCRT was treated to A549 cells and elastase-induced COPD mice model. Then, various parameters such as cell-based cytoprotective activity and histopathological findings were analyzed. Results: SCRT showed a protective effect on elastase-induced cytotoxicity in A549 cells. This effect was correlated with analysis for caspase 3 levels, collagen and elastin contents, and gene expression of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ in A549 cells. SCRT treatment also revealed the protective effect on elastase-induced COPD mice model. This effect was evidenced via histopathological findings including immunofluoresence stains against elastin, collagen, and caspase 3, and protein level of Cdc2, cyclin B1, and phospho-Erk1/2 in lung tissue. Conclusion: These data suggest that SCRT has pharmaceutical properties on COPD. This study provides scientific evidence for the efficacy of SCRT for clinical application to patients with COPD.