• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.1781-1787
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• 2015

Background: miRNAs are relatively recently discovered cancer biomarkers which have important implications for cancer early diagnosis, treatment and estimation of prognosis. Here we focussed on expression of mir-196a-5p in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines so as to analyse its significance for clinicopathologic characteristics and generate enriched KEGG pathways clustered by target genes for exploring its potential roles as a biomarker in gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: The expression of mir-196a-5p in poorly, moderate and well differentiated gastric cancer cell lines compared with GES-1 was detected by RT-qPCR, and the expression of mir-196a-5p in gastric cancer tissues comparing with adjacent non cancer tissues of 58 cases were also assessed by RT-qPCR. Subsequently, an analysis of clinical significance of mir-196a-5p in gastric cancer and enriched KEGG pathways was executed based on the miRWalk prediction database combined with bioinformatics tools DAVID 6.7 and Mirfocus 3.0. Results: RT-qPCR showed that mir-196a-5p was up-regulated in 6 poorly and moderate differentiated gastric cancer cell lines SGC-7901, MKN-45, MKN-28, MGC-803, BGC-823, HGC-27 compared with GES-1, but down-regulated in the highly differentiated gastric cancer cell line AGS. Clinical data indicated mir-196a-5p to beup-regulated in gastric cancer tissues (47/58). Overexpression of mir-196a-5p was associated with more extensive degree of lymph node metastasis and clinical stage (P < 0.05; x2 test). Enriched KEGG pathway analyses of predicted and validated targets in miRWalk combined with DAVID 6.7 and Mirfocus 3.0 showed that the targeted genes regulated by mir-196a-5p were involved in malignancy associated biology. Conclusions: Overexpression of mir-196a-5p is associated with lymph node metastasis and clinical stage, and enriched KEGG pathway analyses showed that targeted genes regulated by mir-196a-5p may contribute to tumorgenesis, suggesting roles as an oncogenic miRNA biomarker in gastric cancer.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.296-299
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• 2015

Cowpea mild mottle virus (CPMMV) has a wide range of hosts, such as the pea family and tomato. CPMMV is a non-reported virus in Korea, and is domestically designated as a controlled virus associated with plant quarantine. In this study, a rapid diagnostic method for the detection of CPMMV at quarantine sites was developed. For the development of a user-based system, the PCR compositions and conditions use existing methods of quarantine for the viruses. Two sets of RT-PCR and nested PCR were developed in this study that could be amplified from 579 → 298 dp and 638 → 252 bp, respectively. Furthermore, a sequence inserted positive control plasmid was developed, which is able to identify false-positives resulting from laboratory contamination. The findings of this study are important for the diagnosis of CPMMV in imported crops held in plant quarantine.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.260-267
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• 2000

Giant cell interstitial pneumonia. a synonym for hard metal pneumoconiosis, is a unique form of pulmonary fibrosis resulting from an exposure to hard metal dust. A case of biopsy-proved giant cell interstitial pneumonia in the absence of appropriate history of exposure to hard metal dust is reported. The patient presented with clinical features of chronic interstitial lung disease or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He worked in a chemical laboratory at a fertilizer plant, where he had been exposed to various chemicals such as benzene and toluene. He denied having any other hobby in his house or job at work, which may have exposed him hard metal dust. High-resolution CT scan revealed multi-lobar distribution of ground glass opacity with peripheral and basal lung predominance. The retrieved fluid of bronchoalveolar lavage contained asbestos fiber and showed neutrotphil predominance. Surgical lung biopsy was performed for a definite diagnosis. Lung specimen showed alveolar infiltration of numerous multinucleated giant cells with mild interstitial fibrosis. Upon detailed examination of the lung tissue, one asbestos body was found. An analysis for mineral contents in lung tissue was performed. Compared with the control specimen, the amount of cobalt and several hard metal components in the lung tissue of this patient was ten times higher. We speculated that the inconsistency between occupational history and the findings of pathologic and mineralogical analyses could be explained by the difference in individual immunologic reactivity to hard metal dust despite the relatively small amount of unrecognized environmental exposure(ED: It's hard to understand what this phrase is trying to say).

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.80 no.1
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• pp.35-44
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• 2017

Background: Isolation of M. tuberculosis (MTB) is required in cases of Tuberculous pleural effusion (TBPE) for confirming diagnosis and successful therapy based on drug sensitivity test. Several studies have focused on predictors of MTB culture positivity in TBPE. However, the clinical role of loculated TBPE as a predictor of MTB cultivation from TBPE remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine possible predictors including loculation of TBPE of MTB culture positivity in TBPE. Methods: We retrospectively examined associations between clinical, radiological, microbiological, and laboratory characteristics and positive MTB culture from TBPE to determine a potent predictor of culture positivity. Results: From January 2011 to August 2015, 232 patients with TBPE were identified. Of these, 219 were finally analyzed. Among them, 69 (31.5%) were culture positive for MTB in TBPE and 86 (39.3%) had loculated TBPE. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the loculation of TBPE was independently associated with culture positivity for MTB in TBPE (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 40.062; 95% confidence interval [CI], 9.355-171.556; p<0.001). In contrast, the lymphocyte percentage of TBPE (adjusted OR, 0.934; 95% CI, 0.899-0.971; p=0.001) was inversely associated with culture positivity for MTB in TBPE. Conclusion: In clinical practice, identification of loculation in TBPE is easy, reliable to measure, not uncommon and may be helpful to predict the possibility of positive mycobacterial culture.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.98-105
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• 2000

In the case of osteosarcoma, secondary acute myeloid leukemia which occurs as the consequences of the complication of chemotherapy, is rare. We are reporting the case that we have recently experienced in the laboratory. A case of secondary acute myeloid leukemia have been occurred to among 77 patients who have been diagnosed as osteosarcoma and received chemotherapy from 1995 to 1999. This case was compared with the cases of other reports for the analysis of its cause and results. A 17-year-old man was diagnosed as a osteosarcoma in the distal part of femur, and recieved chemotherapy. Within 28months, the hematological analysis of the case indicated the severe increase in the number of the white cell (over 200,000) and the profound decrease in the number of platelets. A test of bone marrow needle aspiration and peripheral blood smear showed a tremendous increase in the number of the monocytoid immature cell, which mostly are blasts and promonocytes. Due to this clinical results, the case was diagnosed as the secondary acute myeloid leukemia after the chemotherapy. The frequency of occurrence of secondary acute myeloid leukemia after chemotherapy is quite phenomenal. But the disease could be fatal leading to a high rate of morbidity and mortality without early diagnosis and treatment. Hence, an enough recognition of the possibility of its development, the periodical observation and inspection after chemotherapy and an immediate treatment in the case of occurrence are essential.

• Journal of Technologic Dentistry
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.243-257
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• 2013

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the factors affecting the dropout intentions of the dental technology students of a college. Methods: The subject of this study was 76 freshmen and 74 sophomores of dental technician major in an anonymous college. Results from the questionnaire called K-vision diagnosis program were computed by means of t-test, One-Way ANOVA, and correlation analysis. Results: 1. Total points of the drop out intention came to 782.14 points. Of the five categories concerned with the drop out intention, complain in college satisfaction(50.12points) was the highest and department satisfaction(47.51points) was the lowest. Of 16 subcategories, complaining in administrative supporting system proved the highest as 50.80 points and Inquiry to Professor the lowest(45.56 points). 2. Among the general characteristic gender (p<. 01), student group (p<.01), and credit (p<.05) made a meaningful statistical difference; no statistical significance was found in grade, admission, and dwellings. 3. Of the five categories, statistical significance was shown as follows; Department satisfaction (p<.01), College satisfaction (p<.05) under gender, Department satisfaction (p<.05) in grade, Academic integration (p<.01), Department satisfaction (p<.01) in credit. No statistical meaning was found in admission and dwellings. 4. Statistical significance was found under 16 subcategories as follows: Career identification(p<.01), Academic support system(p<.01), Social activity II(p<.05) in gender area, Inquiry to professor(p<.01), Learning(p<.05), Understanding learning I(p<.05) in grade area, Learning(p<.001), Career identification(p<.001), Understanding learning I(p<.01), Understanding learning II(p<.01), Inquiry to professor (p<.01), Learning ability (p<.05), Occupation (p<.05), Social Activity II(p<.05), Administrative support system (p<.05) in student group area, Credit (p<.001), Career identification (p<.01), Understanding learning I(p<.05) in credit area; admission and dwellings was statistically meaningless. 5. Of the 5 categories academic integration (r=.766) was most relevant to the dropout intention of the subjects and followed by department satisfaction (r=.735), college satisfaction (r=.554), service acceptability (r=.373), and statistical significance was shown as p<.01. Conclusion: Considering the results of this study, we are in a pressing need for the introduction of policies and programmes aiming at preventing the dropout rates of the dental technician majors at college. In tandem with this, qualitative and viable human resource management of the dental technicians should be implemented.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.43-56
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• 1998

A multiplex PCR method was designed by employing primers specific for the eaeA gene, conserved sequences of Shiga-like toxins (SLT-I.II), and the 60-MDa plasmid of enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) O157:H7 strain. A set of six synthetic oligonucleotide primers derived from sequences of the SLT-I.II, eaeA, and 60-MDa plasmid genes of E. coli O157:H7 were used in a multiplex PCR amplification procedure to detect these genes in the same enteric pathogens. In two enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7 (ATCC 35150, ATCC 43894) reference strains, PCR products of 317bps (eaeA), 228bps (SLT-I.II), and 167bps (60-MDa plasmid) were successfully amplified simultaneously in a single reaction. However, the specific PCR products were not amplified in control strains of other enteric bacteria. The sensitivity of the multiplex PCR assay for detection of the SLT-I.II, eaeA, and 60-MDa plasmid genes of E. coli O157:H7 was found to be 2.5$\times$10$^{6}$ of bacteria in diarrheal stool to amplify all three bands. The multiplex PCR technology will allow large-scale screening of many clinical specimens or contaminated foods, and will be a very useful method for the detection of a wide range of microorganisms present in the environment, including EHEC O157:H7 in various types of specimens. The multiplex PCR assay has the potential to be used as a specific and rapid method for clinical diagnosis of disease caused by EHEC O157:H7.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.135-139
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• 2005

Purpose : We investigated the clinical manifestations, radiographic and laboratory findings of children with M. pneumoniae pneumonia(MP) according to their age. Methods : A total of 75 children with MP who admitted to The Catholic University, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital from July 2003 to February 2004, were classified into the three age groups : the ${\leq}2$ years of age(16 children), the children between 3 and 5 years of age(35 children), and the ${\geq}6$ years and older(24 patients). The diagnosis of MP was depended on the titers of anti-mycoplasma antibody that were measured 2 times, at admission and at discharge. Results : The total duration of the fever and the length of hospitalization were not different among the age groups. Although the white blood cell(WBC) value and differential was significantly different between the groups(P<0.01), a similar number in the WBC and reduced lymphocyte proportion was observed in all age groups compared to age-matched references. The patterns of pneumonia were significantly different according to age, i.e. segmental or lobar patterns were observed in 5 cases(31.3%) in the ${\leq}2$ years old group, but 16 cases(66.6%) in the >6 years old group(P<0.01). Conclusion : Although there was no difference in clinical findings according to age in MP, the radiographic finding was more severe in older children.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.29-39
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• 1970

A summary of the clinical data of the $^{131}I$-thyroid function tests and the therapeutic results of $^{131}I$ among the 2,658 patients of various thyroid diseases treated over the past 10 years from May 1960 to Oct. 1969 at the Radioisotope Clinic and Laboratory, SNUH were presented and dscussed. 1. The patients examined consisted of: 929 cases (34.9%) of diffuse toxic goiter, 762 cases (28.7%) of diffuse nontoxic goiter, 699 cases (26.3%) of nodular nontoxic goiter, 58 cases (2.2%) of nodular toxic goiter and 210. cases (7.9%) of hypothyroidism. 2. There were 300 (11.4%) male and 2358 (88.6%) female, showing a ratio of 1:8. 3. The majority of patients (79.1%) were in the 3rd-5th decades of their lives. 4. The normal ranges, diagonstic values of $^{131}I$ uptake test, 48 hrs, serum activity, BMR and main subjective symptoms of various thyroid diseases were discussed. 5. In the 579 patients among 867 cases with hyperthyroidism treated with $^{131}I$, 47.8% were confirmed to be cured completely after single therapeutic doses. 6. The complications of $^{131}I$ therapy were discussed and myxedema had developed in 6.75% of our patients. 7. The results of $^{131}I$ thyroid function tests were analysed among the 160 cases of thyroid diseases which were confirmed the diagnosis with histopathological measures.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.655-659
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• 2008

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction (IPO) is a rare and poorly understood manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), especially in children. The characteristic clinical feature of IPO is obstruction without an identifiable obstructive lesion. The authors a 13-year-old girl whose first symptom of SLE was IPO. The patient presented with a 3-day history of nausea, bilious vomiting, abdominal distention, and no bowel movement. Simple abdominal radiographs revealed mild dilatation with partial air-fluid levels in the small intestine. Abdominal CT and methylcellulose small bowel studies showed massive ascites, engorgement of the small mesenteric vessels, pleural effusion, and diffuse bowel wall thickening of the gastric antrum, duodenum. and jejunum. The delayed passage of contrast for 15 days after the methylcellulose small bowel studies was suggestive of decreased bowel motility. Laboratory findings were positive for ANA, anti-double-stranded DNA, anti-Smith and lymphopenia. After 10-day treatment with high-dose corticosteroids, the symptoms improved. IPO associated with SLE should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with symptoms of intestinal obstruction. Early recognition of IPO in SLE and appropriate therapy are important for prevention of complications and unnecessary surgery. This case raises awareness among pediatricians that although rare, IPO can be the presenting symptom of SLE in children.