• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권10호
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• pp.4217-4224
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• 2014

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a slow growing but highly metastatic tumor, is highly prevalent in Northeast Thailand. Specific tests that predict prognosis of CCA remain elusive. The present study was designed to investigate whether peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) transcriptional profiles might be of use as a prognostic test in CCA patients. Gene expression profiles of PBLs from 9 CCA and 8 healthy subjects were conducted using the Affymetrix HG_U133 Plus 2.0 GeneChip. We indentified informative PBLs gene expression profiles that could reliably distinguish CCA patients from healthy subjects. Of these CCA specific genes, 117 genes were up regulated and 60 were down regulated. The molecular and cellular functions predicted for these CCA specific genes according to the Gene Ontology database indicated differential PBL expression of host immune response and tumor progression genes (EREG, TGF ${\beta}1$, CXCL2, CXCL3, IL-8, and VEGFA). The expression levels of 9 differentially expressed genes were verified in 36 CCA vs 20 healthy subjects. A set of three tumor invasion related genes (PLAU, CTSL and SERPINB2) computed as "prognostic index" was found to be an independent and statistically significant predictor for CCA patient survival. The present study shows that CCA PBLs may serve as disease predictive clinically accessible surrogates for indentifying expressed genes reflective of CCA disease severity.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.179-189
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• 1997

Teeth mobility is an important part of a periodontal examination, because it represents a function of the persisting height of the alveolar bone and the width of the periodontal ligament. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical difference in teeth mobility after treatment with the modified Widman flap and the undisplaced flap in humans. Twenty males with moderate periodontal disease were selected. The severity of periodontal disease was evaluated with sulcular bleeding index, pocket depth and attachment level and tooth mobility was measured with Periotest(Siemens Co., Germany) at the initial examination, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks following the modified Widman flap and the undisplaced flap operation using the split-mouth technique. The relation of mobility to clinical parameters was statistically analyzed by multiple regression and the change of teeth mobility according to healing process by independent t-test using SPSS program. The results were as follows: 1. There was a strong relationship between the Periotest value(PTV) and attachment level. 2. The change of teeth mobility in both flap procedures was increased significantly at 1 week post-op. and was decreased to preoperative level at 4 weeks post-op, in modified Widman flap and at 6 weeks post-op. in undisplaced flap. 3. The change of teeth mobility in premolar teeth group in undisplaced flap compared to modified Widman flap was generally increased but these changes were not statistically significant. The changes of teeth mobility in molar teeth group in undisplaced flap was increased significantly at 2 weeks post-op.. 4. The change of teeth mobility following undisplaced flap was increased significantly compared to that of modified Widman flap at 2 weeks post-op.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• 제26권4호
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• pp.306-312
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• 2010

The pathotypes of Cercospora beticola, causal agent of sugar beet leaf spot disease, were identified by application of pathogenicity test using 100 isolates obtained from the provinces with intensive sugar beet cultivation. For the identification of pathotypes, five sugar beet cultivars were used each with different resistance factors. Cultivar reactions were determined by inoculation of cultivars with the isolates under controlled conditions and measuring disease severity on the $15^{th}$ day according to the 1-9 KWS Scale. Based on the reactions of the five cultivars, a total of 15 pathotypes were detected. All employed sugar beet cultivars were resistant to Pathotype no:1 comprising most of the isolates. Genetic diversity of the causal agent was characterized by AFLP reaction. The products acquired at the end of AFLP reaction were detected by means of Beckman CEQ 8800 DNA Capillary Series Analysis and the results obtained were evaluated according to the similarity index UPGMA. For the genetic analysis of C. beticola isolates, 9874 polymorphic fragments of sizes between 100 and 500 bp were analysed which were generated by nine primers. The dendrogram derived from AFLP analysis depicted the existence of five different subgroups. The polymorphism rate among isolates was 91.13% and the dendrogram distribution of the pathotypes obtained by pathogenicity indicated that pathotypes were not discriminated and did not compose any groups.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제43권1호
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• pp.1-9
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• 2019

Background: Korean ginseng is an important cash crop in Asian countries. However, plant yield is reduced by pathogens. Among the Ilyonectria radicicola-species complex, I. mors-panacis is responsible for root-rot and replant failure of ginseng in Asia. The development of new methods to reveal the existence of the pathogen before cultivation is started is essential. Therefore, a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction method was developed to detect and quantify the pathogen in ginseng soils. Methods: In this study, a species-specific histone H3 primer set was developed for the quantification of I. mors-panacis. The primer set was used on DNA from other microbes to evaluate its sensitivity and selectivity for I. mors-panacis DNA. Sterilized soil samples artificially infected with the pathogen at different concentrations were used to evaluate the ability of the primer set to detect the pathogen population in the soil DNA. Finally, the pathogen was quantified in many natural soil samples. Results: The designed primer set was found to be sensitive and selective for I. mors-panacis DNA. In artificially infected sterilized soil samples, using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction the estimated amount of template was positively correlated with the pathogen concentration in soil samples ($R^2=0.95$), disease severity index ($R^2=0.99$), and colony-forming units ($R^2=0.87$). In natural soils, the pathogen was recorded in most fields producing bad yields at a range of $5.82{\pm}2.35pg/g$ to $892.34{\pm}103.70pg/g$ of soil. Conclusion: According to these results, the proposed primer set is applicable for estimating soil quality before ginseng cultivation. This will contribute to disease management and crop protection in the future.

• 한국환경과학회지
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.67-76
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• 2023

Under constant environmental pollution, the incidence of Atopic Dermatitis (AD) caused by air pollutants and allergens has increased. AD is an allergy inflammatory skin disease characterized by pruritus, eczema, and skin dryness. In herbal medicine, Anemarrhena asphodeloides (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma; AR) has been utilized to treat Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, hypertension, and inflammation. The purpose of study evaluated the effect of AR in a mouse model of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like skin lesions. After acclimatization for 5 days, the mice (6-week-old, male Balb/c) were divided into five groups (n=6/group): NC (normal control), DNCB (control), Dex (5 mg·kg-1, p.o.), AR100 (100 mg·kg-1, p.o.), and AR300 (300 mg·kg-1, p.o.). On days 1 and 3, 1% DNCB was applied to the skin and ears. After 4 days, 0.5% DNCB was applied once every 2 days for 2 weeks. Then, skin and ears eczema area and severity index (EASI); skin nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels; and plasma immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were examined. The AR groups showed lower EASI, skin and ear thickness, mast cell count, and IgE levels than the control groups. Moreover, AR reduced iNOS, COX-2, and PGE2 levels. Therefore, AR possesses anti-inflammatory properties and can improve skin damage, indicating its therapeutic potential against AD.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제72권3호
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• pp.310-317
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• 2012

Background: Airway obstruction and the extent of emphysema are reported to be responsible for reduced bone mineral density (BMD). Corresponding to different phenotypes of a pulmonary disease, different severity in extra pulmonary features may exist. We compared BMDs of subjects with or without airway obstruction and/or emphysema and investigated the relationships among BMD, the severity of airway obstruction, and the extent of emphysema. Methods: Using a university hospital database, we reviewed patients over 40 years old who performed spirometry, computed tomography of chest, and measurement of BMD of the lumbar (L) spine. According to the presence or absence of airway obstruction and/or emphysema, four groups were classified. Results: Among a total of 59 subjects, 33 (56%) had osteoporosis. The prevalence of osteoporosis in subjects with no airway obstruction and no emphysema, those with only emphysema, those with only airway obstruction, and those with both airway obstruction and emphysema were 42%, 57%, 64%, and 73%, respectively (p=0.047 by linear-by-linear association). The mean T-scores of BMD of L1 (p=0.032) and L1-4 spines were different among the four groups (p=0.034). Although the T-score of L1 BMD negatively correlated with the extent of emphysema (r=-0.275, p=0.035) and positively with each of body mass index (BMI) (r=0.520, p<0.001), forced expiratory volume in one second ($FEV_1$) (r=0.330, p=0.011), $FEV_1$/forced vital capacity (r=0.409, p=0.001), and forced expiratory flow at 25~75% of FVC ($FEF_{25-75%}$) (r=0.438, p=0.0001), respectively, multiple linear regression analysis indicated that BMI (p<0.001) and $FEF_{25-75%}$ were predictive of BMD (p=0.012). Conclusion: Low BMI and airway obstruction were strongly associated with reduced bone density rather than the extent of emphysema.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제69권1호
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• pp.24-30
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• 2010

Background: A novel 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus emerged and disseminated to all over the world. There are few reports on the clinical characteristics of patients with complications. We describe the clinical features of pneumonia in adult patients hospitalized, who have novel influenza infection. Methods: There were 43 adult patients enrolled into the study with pneumonia of 528 hospitalized patients confirmed influenza A (H1N1) virus infection by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction testing, between 24 August 2009 and 31 January 2010. The clinical data of patients with pneumonia were collected retrospectively. Results: There were 22 of 43 (51.2%) influenza patients with pneumonia that had higher risk factors for complications. Compared to 28 patients with influenza A (H1N1) viral pneumonia and 15 patients, who had isolated bacteria from cultures, those with mixed viral and bacterial pneumonia were significantly more likely to have unilobar consolidations on chest radiographs (53.3 vs. 10.7%, p<0.01) and higher scores of pneumonia severity index (PSI; 90 [66~100] vs. 53 [28~90], p=0.04). Six patients required mechanical ventilation support in an Intensive Care Unit and were more likely to have dyspnea (83.3 vs. 29.3%, p=0.02) and low levels of $PaO_2$ (48.3 [37.0~70.5] vs 64.0 [60.0~74.5] mm Hg, p=0.02) and high levels of pneumonia severity index (PSI) score (108.0 [74.5~142.8] vs. 56.0 [40.5~91.0], p=0.03). Conclusion: The majority of pneumonia patients infected with novel influenza improved. Chest radiographic findings of unilobar consolidations suggest that mixed pneumonia is more likely. Initial dyspnea, hypoxemia, and high levels of PSI score are associated with undergoing mechanical ventilation support.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.1-12
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• 2007

Objectives : Functional dyspepsia is a prevalent disease. It impedes subjective quality of life. The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of acupuncture treatment for functional dyspepsia. Methods : In this randomized, single blind, placebo-controlled study, we compared active acupuncture with sham acupuncture for the treatment of functional dyspepsia. Volunteers who satisfied the requirements were enrolled in study. Severity of dyspepsia was measured by Nepean Dyspepsia Index(NDI) and Functional Dyspepsia Quality fo Life(FD-QOL) before and after treatments. Results : 68 subjects finished study. There were not difference between two groups on age, sex, weight, height, severity of dyspepsia, subtype, Byeonjeung, surmise of treatment. After treatment total key symptoms score, improve rate of key symptoms were decreased than before treatment in active acupuncture group, but there were no statistical significance compared with sham acupuncture group. After treatment "pressure in upper abdomen" and " cramps in upper abdomen" were more decreased in active acupuncture group compared with sham acupuncture group(p=0.001, p=0.014). After treatment total symptom score and QOL of NDI were decreased than before treatment in active acupuncture group, but there were no statistical significance compared with sham acupuncture group. After treatment eating status of FD-QOL in active acupuncture group was significantly increased than sham acupuncture group(p=0.008). After treatment liveliness status of FD-QOL and total score of FDQOL in active acupuncture group was increased than sham acupuncture group though statistically insignificant(p=0.095, p=0.077). Conclusion : Acupuncture treatment is effective to improve the symptoms and quality of life in patients with functional dyspepsia.

• 구강회복응용과학지
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• 제34권3호
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• pp.186-195
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• 2018

목적: 한국인에서 임플란트 주위 질환의 심도에 따른 미생물학적 차이를 알아보기 위해 real time Polymerase Chain Reaction(real-time PCR)법을 이용하여 5종의 치주세균의 정량적, 정성적 분석을 시행하였다. 연구 재료 및 방법: 임플란트가 식립된 총 60명의 환자를 치근단 방사선 사진 및 임상지수 검사를 통해 3군(건강군, 임플란트 주위 점막염군, 임플란트 주위염군)으로 나누었다. 멸균된 curette기구를 이용해 치은연하에서 미생물 샘플을 채취한 후 치주세균 5종에 관해 real time PCR을 시행하였고 comparative delta-CT method를 이용하여 분석한 후 미생물의 상대적 발현량을 비교하였다. 결과: Eikenella corrodens, Treponema denticola의 상대적 발현량은 임플란트 주위염 그룹에서 유의하게 높게 나타났다(P < 0.017). 반면 Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis의 상대적 발현량은 질환의 심도와는 관련 없이 건강한 임플란트 그룹에서 가장 높게 나타났다. Prevotella intermedia의 상대적 발현량은 건강한 임플란트 그룹에서 유의하게 낮게 나타났다(P < 0.017). 결론: 한국인의 임플란트 주위질환에서 대표적인 치주염 세균이 검출되었으나 치주염과 유사한 미생물학적 분포를 보이지는 않았다.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제62권1호
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• pp.11-18
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• 2007

연구배경: 만성폐쇄성폐질환(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD) 환자군에서 우울증 및 불안장애의 유병률이 높고, 이는 치료경과 및 사망률에도 영향을 주는 것으로 알려져 있다. 저자들은 국내연구가 미비한 COPD환자들의 우울과 불안심리에 대한 평가를 하고자 하였다. 방 법: 2005년 9월부터 2006년 8월까지 이화의료원 호흡기내과에서 외래치료 중인 72명의 COPD환자와 정상 대조군 50명에서 Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)와 State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)로 설문조사를 시행하였고, 임상기록을 분석하였다. 결 과: 1) 연령과 체질량지수, 혈청 알부민 수치는 환자군과 대조군간의 유의한 차이를 보이지 않았다(p>0.05). 우울심리는 BDI점수가 환자군 16(0-37), 대조군 12(1-30)으로 환자군에서 유의하게 높았고(p=0.001), 21점 이상의 우울집단은 환자군이 36%로 대조군 6%에 비해 많았다(p<0.0001). 환자군에서는 경증군 18%(4/22), 중등증군 30%(6/20), 중증군 52%(13/25), 심한 중증군 60%(3/5)로 중증일수록 빈도가 높았다(p=0.008). 2) 불안심리는 환자군에서 SAI 점수 44(20-67), TAI점수 47(20-66)로 각각 대조군 39(26-65), 44(33-90)보다 유의하게 높았다(p=0.005, p=0.022). 환자군에서 BDI와 STAI점수는 상관관계를 보였고(p<0.001), 우울집단에서 불안점수가 유의하게 높았다. 3) COPD환자군에서 우울집단은 비우울집단보다 체질량지수, 기관지확장제후 $FEV_1$의 예측치가 유의하게 낮았고, 현재 흡연자의 비율과 중증도, STAI점수가 유의하게 높았다(p<0.05). 4) 연령과 성별을 통제한 다변량 로지스틱 회귀분석상 95% 신뢰구간으로 비차비는 체질량지수 0.9(p=0.311), 현재 흡연자 3.2(p=0.051), 중증군이상 3.9로(p=0.027), 중증이상의 중증도가 유일한 우울증 발생의 독립적 위험요인이었다. 결 론: COPD환자군에서 우울증과 불안심리가 흔하게 관찰되며, 체질량지수, 폐기능, 현재 흡연력이 우울관련 요인으로 특히 중증도가 높을수록 우울증과 불안장애의 관리가 필요함을 보여주었다.